# CVE-2026-17157: IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS stack buffer overflow remote code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-17157-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-stack-buffer-overflow-remote-code  
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-2026-17157 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-08-20

IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 are enterprise operating systems used to run mission-critical business applications on IBM Power systems. A stack buffer overflow vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with no authentication required, potentially compromising entire enterprise environments 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-2026-17157 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-17157 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-17157?** 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-2026-17157?** 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-2026-17157 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-17157?** 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

A stack buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and PowerVM VIOS 4.1 allows remote code execution without authentication. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network and permits attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the vulnerable service. Stack buffer overflows allow attackers to overwrite the call stack and redirect execution to injected shellcode or existing code gadgets. IBM has released security updates via Service Packs and Fix Packs to address this vulnerability; customers are strongly advised to apply these updates promptly to their supported AIX and VIOS releases.

## 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 published with vulnerability details and remediation guidance

## References

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

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