# CVE-2026-17118: IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS use-after-free remote code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-17118-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-use-after-free-remote-code-execution  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-20. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-17118 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-08-20

IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 are enterprise operating systems and virtualization platforms used in mission-critical business environments. A use-after-free vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with no authentication required, potentially compromising entire systems and the applications they host.

Technologies: [IBM Aix](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/aix), [IBM PowerVM VIOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/powervm-vios). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-17118 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-17118 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-17118?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 20 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Aix 7.2, 7.3; IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-17118?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-17118 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-17118?** Check whether you run IBM Aix or IBM PowerVM VIOS at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is a use-after-free memory corruption flaw in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 that permits remote code execution. The vulnerability is network-accessible and requires no authentication or user interaction to exploit. An attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected operating system, resulting in full system compromise. Patches are available through IBM Service Packs and Fix Packs as described in IBM's security bulletin.

## Affected products

- IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3
- IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1

## Timeline

- 2026-08-20: disclosed
- 2026-08-21: advisory: IBM security bulletin updated with installation instructions

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858)

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