What is CVE-2026-16989?

CVE-2026-16989 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM Aix, classified under Improper Link Resolution Before File Access. CVSS score: 7.1/10. Published 2026-08-20.

How severe is CVE-2026-16989?

High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.1 out of 10.

Vulnerability in IBM Aix

CVE-2026-16989

IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges due to improper resolution of symbolic links.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.1 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N.

Affected products

Ibm Aix — versions 7.2, 7.3
Ibm Powervm Vios — versions 4.1

Weakness classification (CWE)

CWE-59 — Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

References

psirt@us.ibm.com (vendor-advisory, patch)

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-16989?: CVE-2026-16989 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM Aix, classified under Improper Link Resolution Before File Access. CVSS score: 7.1/10. Published 2026-08-20.
How severe is CVE-2026-16989?: High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.1 out of 10.