CVE-2026-5516: IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 22.0.0.11 through 26.0.0.5 IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty

Routine

MEDIUM 4.4UPGRADE

CVE-2026-5516 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.4) 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 - Liberty 22.0.0.11 through 26.0.0.5 IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty could allow a remote attacker to bypass security under limited conditions by exploiting a specific timing window.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.4 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 88%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-362
Published	2026-05-27
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-27 14:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 11:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ibm websphere application server UPGRADE

Affected: >= 22.0.0.11 and <= 26.0.0.5

Fixed in: newer than 26.0.0.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 22.0.0.11

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy websphere-application-server || rpm -q websphere-application-server || websphere-application-server --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 26.0.0.5 (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 22.0.0.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison websphere-application-server sudo apt install websphere-application-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_22.0.0.11> 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_22.0.0.11> 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.

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-2026-5516?

websphere application server: upgrade to newer than 26.0.0.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-5516 being exploited?

CVE-2026-5516 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-2026-5516 affect?

CVE-2026-5516 affects websphere application server. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.4). IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 22.0.0.11 through 26.0.0.5 IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty could allow a remote attacker to bypass security under limited conditions by exploiting a specific timing window.

How urgent is CVE-2026-5516?

Priority 18/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

IBM WebSphere vulnerabilities

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References

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