How severe is CVE-2021-38989?

CVE-2021-38989 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-38989 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (12th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-38989?

CVE-2021-38989 primarily affects Ibm Vios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38989?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-38989 published?

CVE-2021-38989 was published on 2022-03-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-38989

CVE-2021-38989 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Ibm Vios with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
CVSS v2: 4.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (12th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Ibm Vios
Published: 2022-03-07
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the AIX kernel to cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 212951.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-38989?: IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the AIX kernel to cause a denial of service. IBM X-Force ID: 212951.
How severe is CVE-2021-38989?: CVE-2021-38989 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-38989 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (12th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-38989?: CVE-2021-38989 primarily affects Ibm Vios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-38989?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-38989 published?: CVE-2021-38989 was published on 2022-03-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:vios:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:7.2.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:7.2.5.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:7.2.5.100:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:7.3.0.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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