# CVE-2026-17141: IBM AIX buffer overflow in NIM

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-17141-ibm-aix-buffer-overflow-in-nim  
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-2026-17141 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-08-20

IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS are operating systems used to manage critical enterprise infrastructure. A buffer overflow vulnerability in the NIM (Network Install Manager) component allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with system privileges, potentially compromising server availability, data integrity, and enabling lateral movement across infrastructure.

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-2026-17141 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-17141 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-17141?** 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-2026-17141?** A patch was published on 2026-08-21: IBM released security updates via Service Packs and Fix Packs Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-17141 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-17141?** 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 buffer overflow in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 NIM, triggered by remote network traffic without authentication required. The NIM service fails to properly validate input length before writing to a fixed-size buffer, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory and execute arbitrary code at the privileges of the NIM daemon. The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates network-adjacent attack vector with no authentication or user interaction required. IBM has released security updates through Service Packs and Fix Packs to remediate this and related vulnerabilities.

## Affected products

- IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3
- IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1

## Timeline

- 2026-08-20: disclosed: CVE-2026-17141 published
- 2026-08-21: patched: IBM released security updates via Service Packs and Fix Packs

## References

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

## Related threats

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