CVE-2026-18842: Vulnerabilities in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS

Q: Is PowerVM VIOS included in the affected software?

Yes. The affected software list includes IBM PowerVM VIOS as well as IBM AIX.

Q: Does exploitation require local access?

The issue is described as allowing a local attacker to gain elevated privileges. The provided data does not describe a remote exploitation path.

Q: Are affected versions or configurations identified?

No affected version ranges, configuration prerequisites, or default-configuration status are provided.

Published Aug 15, 2026

Updated

IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to an out-of-bounds write.

Affected Software

10 affected components

IBM AIX<=7.2

IBM AIX<=7.3

IBM PowerVM VIOS<=4.1

IBM VIOS>=4.1.0<4.1.0.50

IBM VIOS>=4.1.1.0<4.1.1.30

IBM VIOS>=4.1.2.0<4.1.2.20

IBM AIX>=7.2.5<=7.2.5.212

IBM AIX>=7.3.2<=7.3.2.5

IBM AIX>=7.3.3<=7.3.3.2

IBM AIX>=7.3.4<=7.3.4.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

Upgrade
Upgrade IBM AIX 7.3 TL04 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in SP2
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM AIX 7.3 TL03 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in SP3
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM AIX 7.3 TL02 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in SP5
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM AIX 7.2 TL05 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in SP13
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 4.1.0.50Patch IJ5956508/14/2026
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.1 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 4.1.1.30Patch IJ5956408/14/2026
Upgrade
Upgrade IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 4.1.2.20Patch IJ5956308/14/2026
Compensating control
For VIOS 4.1.0 and VIOS 4.1.1: after applying the 4.1.0.50 or 4.1.1.30 FPs above, complete the additional required steps to migrate to the latest Postgres15.
Compensating control
If applying AIX/VIOS patches using nimsh secure: use the special steps described in the provided article because the protocol between master and client is updated to be more secure.
Operational
Reboot the LPAR after applying the AIX Service Pack (SP) and VIOS Fix Pack (FP) update to complete the SP/FP update.

Event History

Aug 15, 2026

CVE Published

via IBM·12:00 AM

Data Sourced

via IBM·12:00 AM

DescriptionAffected Software

Aug 20, 2026

CVE Published

via MITRE·10:02 PM

Data Sourced

via MITRE·10:02 PM

RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeakness

Data Sourced

via NVD·10:17 PM

RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

IBM-7283858

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PowerVM VIOS included in the affected software?

Yes. The affected software list includes IBM PowerVM VIOS as well as IBM AIX.

Does exploitation require local access?

The issue is described as allowing a local attacker to gain elevated privileges. The provided data does not describe a remote exploitation path.

Are affected versions or configurations identified?

No affected version ranges, configuration prerequisites, or default-configuration status are provided.

CVE-2026-18842: Vulnerabilities in IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS

Affected Software

Remediation

Event History

Parent advisories

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PowerVM VIOS included in the affected software?

Does exploitation require local access?

Are affected versions or configurations identified?

Company

Resources

Contact