# CVE-2026-19783: IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS kernel memory corruption in directory reads

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-19783-ibm-aix-and-powervm-vios-kernel-memory-corruption-in-directory  
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-2026-19783 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.7 · Published 2026-08-20

IBM AIX and PowerVM VIOS operating systems contain a vulnerability in their filesystem directory reading code that can be triggered by a specially crafted filesystem image. A local attacker can exploit this to corrupt kernel memory, causing the system to crash or potentially gain elevated privileges. This affects core operating system functionality that manages system resources and data integrity.

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-2026-19783 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-19783 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-19783?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.7, 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-2026-19783?** 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-2026-19783 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-19783?** 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 memory safety issue (insufficient validation) in the directory reading path of IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and PowerVM VIOS 4.1. A crafted filesystem image triggers an out-of-bounds write to the kernel stack during directory traversal operations. The attack requires local system access (not remotely exploitable). Successful exploitation can cause denial of service via kernel panic or potentially enable privilege escalation. Patches are available through IBM Service Packs and Fix Packs as noted in the 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 remediation guidance

## References

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

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