CVE-2024-40697: IBM Common Licensing 9.0 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it e

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2024-40697 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting common licensing. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

IBM Common Licensing 9.0 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 297895.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 58%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-521
Published	2024-08-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-08-13 11:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ibm common licensing DOWNGRADE

Affected: 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy common-licensing || rpm -q common-licensing || common-licensing --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison common-licensing sudo apt install common-licensing=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.0> sudo apt-mark hold common-licensing

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list common-licensing sudo dnf downgrade common-licensing-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.0> sudo dnf versionlock add common-licensing

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2024-40697?

common licensing: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-40697 being exploited?

CVE-2024-40697 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-40697 affect?

CVE-2024-40697 affects common licensing. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). IBM Common Licensing 9.0 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 297895.

How urgent is CVE-2024-40697?

Priority 42/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-41774 MEDIUM 4.8 DOWNGRADE IBM Common Licensing 9.0 is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting
CVE-2023-50946 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE IBM Common Licensing 9.0 could allow an authenticated user to modify a configuration file that they should no
CVE-2023-50945 MEDIUM 6.2 DOWNGRADE IBM Common Licensing 9.0 stores user credentials in plain clear text which can be read by a local user.

References

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