# CVE-2026-19448: IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS IPsec ESP stack memory corruption

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19448-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-ipsec-esp-stack-memory-corruption  
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-2026-19448 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-08-20

IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS operating systems contain a memory corruption vulnerability in the IPsec ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) decapsulation handler. Attackers can exploit this to crash systems and cause service outages, but cannot access or modify data.

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-2026-19448 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-19448 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-19448?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, 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-2026-19448?** A patch was published: Patches available through IBM service packs and fix packs Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-19448 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-19448?** 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 memory corruption vulnerability exists in the AIX IPsec ESP decapsulation handler that processes encrypted network traffic. The vulnerability allows network-based attackers to corrupt kernel stack state through crafted ESP packets. Successful exploitation causes a system crash and denial of service. The vulnerability affects AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1. Patches are available through IBM service packs and fix packs.

## Affected products

- IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3
- IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1

## Timeline

- 2026-08-20: disclosed
- patched: Patches available through IBM service packs and fix packs

## References

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

## Related threats

- [IBM AIX format string vulnerability in privileged component](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-16821-ibm-aix-format-string-vulnerability-in-privileged-component)
- [IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS kernel memory corruption in directory reads](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19783-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-kernel-memory-corruption-in-directory)
- [IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS cmdnim privilege escalation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19449-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-cmdnim-privilege-escalation)
- [IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS RPC DoS via malformed UDP packet](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19446-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-rpc-dos-via-malformed-udp-packet)
- [IBM AIX pointer validation flaw in Virtual SCSI initiator](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19442-ibm-aix-pointer-validation-flaw-in-virtual-scsi-initiator)