PatchTheCEVCVE-2026-14512: IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 traditional is vulnerable to pre-authentication unsafe deseriali
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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE
CVE-2026-14512 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting websphere application server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 traditional is vulnerable to pre-authentication unsafe deserialization which could allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication or execute arbitrary code.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.0% (top 38%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-502 |
| Published | 2026-07-28 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-23 |
Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
ibm websphere application server UPGRADE
Affected: >= 8.5.0.0 and < 8.5.5.31 · >= 9.0.0.0 and < 9.0.5.29
Fixed in: 8.5.5.31, 9.0.5.29
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.5.0.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy websphere-application-server || rpm -q websphere-application-server || websphere-application-server --version
2. UPGRADE to 8.5.5.31 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade websphere-application-server
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade websphere-application-server
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.5.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison websphere-application-server
sudo apt install websphere-application-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.5.0.0>
sudo apt-mark hold websphere-application-server
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list websphere-application-server
sudo dnf downgrade websphere-application-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.5.0.0>
sudo dnf versionlock add websphere-application-server
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.
Exact fixes by distribution
Fedora 46 · python-openslide · FIXED · 1.4.7-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-336bea884e · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-336bea884e
Fedora ELN · valgrind · FIXED · 3.28.0-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-c593ef1d15 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-c593ef1d15
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.
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
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