# CVE-2026-17494: IBM Power Systems Firmware stack-based buffer overflow in BMC interface

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-17494-ibm-power-systems-firmware-stack-based-buffer-overflow-in-bmc  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-17494 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.2 · Published 2026-08-19

IBM Power Systems firmware contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) interface. An attacker with service-level access to the BMC can execute arbitrary code on the host system, gaining complete control over all hosted applications and partitions. This results in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire system.

Technologies: [IBM Power Systems Firmware](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/power-systems-firmware). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-17494 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-17494 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-17494?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.2, published 19 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM Power Systems Firmware FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1120.00.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-17494?** A patch was published on 2026-08-19: Patches released: FW1110.31 and FW1120.01 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-17494 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in device firmware.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-17494?** Check whether you run IBM Power Systems Firmware 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-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) exists in the BMC-to-host interface of affected IBM Power Systems firmware versions. The vulnerability is triggered when an attacker with BMC service access sends a specially crafted command to the interface, causing a buffer overflow that permits arbitrary code execution on the host system. The attack requires high privileges (service/administrative access to the BMC) but no user interaction. Successful exploitation grants the attacker complete control of the host OS and all virtualized partitions running on it. Patches are available: FW1110.31 or newer, or FW1120.01 or newer, depending on the specific system model.

## Affected products

- IBM Power Systems Firmware FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1120.00

## Timeline

- 2026-08-15: disclosed
- 2026-08-19: patched: Patches released: FW1110.31 and FW1120.01

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283220](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283220)

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