CVE-2023-40683: IBM OpenPages with Watson · Improper Authorization
Affects IBM OpenPages with WatsonSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.8 High.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 10:12 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.7% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 52% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 19 Jan 2024
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IBM OpenPages with Watson | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
Organizations should immediately verify their IBM OpenPages with Watson versions and restrict access to the application and its APIs to trusted networks and users only. Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure of OpenPages interfaces. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Monitor and audit user activities and API calls for unusual or unauthorized administrative actions. Since no official patches are currently available, consider applying compensating controls such as disabling non-public APIs if feasible or restricting their use via application-layer gateways or proxies. Engage with IBM support to obtain updates on patch availability and apply them promptly once released. Additionally, conduct thorough access reviews to ensure users have the minimum necessary privileges, reducing the attack surface.
Description
IBM OpenPages with Watson 8.3 and 9.0 could allow remote attacker to bypass security restrictions, caused by insufficient authorization checks. By authenticating as an OpenPages user and using non-public APIs, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security and gain unauthorized administrative access to the application. IBM X-Force ID: 264005.