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5.5
CVE-2026-16980: IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS could crash from special file links
CVE-2026-16980 · published 2 months ago
Summary
The AIX 7.2, 7.3 operating system and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 can be forced to stop working if a user creates a specially crafted shortcut (symbolic link). This could let someone with local access disrupt services on the server. Apply the latest security updates from IBM as soon as possible to prevent the crash.
What to do
The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.
Affected software
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions |
|---|---|---|
| ibm | aix |
7.2 >= 7.2.5, <= 7.2.5.212 >= 7.3.2, <= 7.3.2.5 >= 7.3.3, <= 7.3.3.2 >= 7.3.4, <= 7.3.4.1 |
| ibm | powervm vios | 4.1 |
| ibm | vios |
>= 4.1.0, < 4.1.0.50 >= 4.1.1.0, < 4.1.1.30 >= 4.1.2.0, < 4.1.2.20 cpe:2.3:a:ibm:vios:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* |
Original advisory text
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service due to improper validation of symbolic links.
IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service due to improper validation of symbolic links.
References
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858 vendor-advisory patch
Internet-facing
60 days
Internal
At next upgrade
- Not known to be exploited
- Needs hands-on effort to exploit
- Gives an attacker partial control
Severity
5.5
Medium
Type
CWE-59Link Following
Timeline
Published20 Aug 2026
Updated26 Oct 2026
First seen20 Aug 2026
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