CVE-2026-14446: IBM WebSphere Application Server · Missing Authentication
Affects IBM WebSphere Application ServerSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 9.8 Critical.
Data as of 27 Oct 2026, 17:11 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.5% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 44% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 28 Jul 2026
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 |
|---|---|---|
| IBMWebSphere Application Server | Affected
| Fixed in– |
CPE configurations (4)
cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:9.0.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:8.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:8.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
AI-suggested
Until an official fix is released, organizations should consider restricting access to the administrative console through network controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN access. Monitoring for unusual access patterns to the administrative interface is also advisable. Avoid exposing the administrative console to untrusted networks.
Description
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 8.5 and 9.0 contain a critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-14446) involving missing authentication for a critical function in the administrative console. This flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass access controls, potentially leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available from the vendor. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.