PatchTheCVECVE-2026-14974: IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5, and 9.0 traditional could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary c
46
This month
HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE
CVE-2026-14974 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) 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 8.5, and 9.0 traditional could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code caused by unsafe deserialization of untrusted data.
Why this priority
- High severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.1 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.7% (top 48%) |
| 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 · rubygem-eventmachine · FIXED · 1.2.7-37.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-7194c202a2 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-7194c202a2
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.
Related CVEs
- CVE-2026-14512 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 traditional is vulnerable to pre-authentication unsafe deseriali
- CVE-2026-14446 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 is vulnerable to broken access control/privilege escalation in t
- CVE-2026-15280 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.8 ND Collective Controller is affected by a
- CVE-2026-15057 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.7 is vulnerable to a denial of service due
- CVE-2026-16184 HIGH 7.0 UPGRADE IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 could allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication by sendin