How severe is CVE-2012-2188?

CVE-2012-2188 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2012-2188 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-2188?

CVE-2012-2188 primarily affects Ibm Power Hardware Management Console Firmware. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-2188?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2012-2188 published?

CVE-2012-2188 was published on 2012-08-06 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-2188

CVE-2012-2188 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Power Hardware Management Console Firmware with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (27th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Ibm Power Hardware Management Console Firmware
Published: 2012-08-06
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

IBM Power Hardware Management Console (HMC) 7R3.5.0 before SP4, 7R7.1.0 and 7R7.2.0 before 7R7.2.0 SP3, and 7R7.3.0 before SP2, and Systems Director Management Console (SDMC) 6R7.3.0 before SP2, does not properly restrict the VIOS viosrvcmd command, which allows local users to gain privileges via vectors involving a (1) $ (dollar sign) or (2) & (ampersand) character.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-2188?: IBM Power Hardware Management Console (HMC) 7R3.5.0 before SP4, 7R7.1.0 and 7R7.2.0 before 7R7.2.0 SP3, and 7R7.3.0 before SP2, and Systems Director Management Console (SDMC) 6R7.3.0 before SP2, does not properly restrict the VIOS viosrvcmd command, which allows local users to gain privileges via vectors involving a (1) $ (dollar sign) or (2) & (ampersand) character.
How severe is CVE-2012-2188?: CVE-2012-2188 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2012-2188 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-2188?: CVE-2012-2188 primarily affects Ibm Power Hardware Management Console Firmware. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-2188?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2012-2188 published?: CVE-2012-2188 was published on 2012-08-06 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:ibm:power_hardware_management_console_firmware:7r3.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:power_hardware_management_console_firmware:7r7.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:power_hardware_management_console_firmware:7r7.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:power_hardware_management_console_firmware:7r7.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:systems_director_management__console_firmware:6r7.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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