# CVE-2026-14446: IBM WebSphere Application Server privilege escalation in administrative console

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-14446-ibm-websphere-application-server-privilege-escalation-in  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-28. Updated: 2026-07-28  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-14446 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-07-28

IBM WebSphere Application Server, a platform used to host and run enterprise Java applications, contains a critical security flaw in its administrative console. This vulnerability allows an unauthorized person to bypass security controls and gain administrative privileges over the server. If exploited, an attacker could take full control of the application environment, potentially leading to the theft of sensitive data, service outages, or unauthorized modification of business applications.

Technologies: [IBM WebSphere Application Server](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/websphere-application-server). Vendors: [IBM](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/ibm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-14446 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-14446 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-14446?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 28 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0.0.0 - 9.0.5.28, 8.5.0.0 - 8.5.5.30.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-14446?** A patch was published on 2026-07-28: Interim fixes released for affected versions. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-14446 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-14446?** Check whether you run IBM WebSphere Application Server at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

IBM WebSphere Application Server is vulnerable to a privilege escalation flaw (CWE-306) within its administrative console. The root cause is a failure to require authentication for critical functions, allowing a remote, unauthenticated attacker to bypass access controls. By sending a specially crafted request over the network, an attacker can gain administrative rights, leading to a complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. IBM has released interim fixes for APAR DT496500 and recommends upgrading to fix packs 9.0.5.29 or 8.5.5.31.

## Affected products

- IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0.0.0 - 9.0.5.28, 8.5.0.0 - 8.5.5.30

## Timeline

- 2026-07-28: disclosed: Initial publication of the security bulletin by IBM.
- 2026-07-28: patched: Interim fixes released for affected versions.

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7281631](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7281631)

## Related threats

- [IBM WebSphere Application Server insecure deserialization in messaging](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-105442-ibm-websphere-application-server-8-5-and-9-0-and-ibm-websphere)
- [IBM WebSphere Application Server cryptographic signature verification bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-101294-ibm-websphere-application-server-liberty-17-0-0-3-through-26-0-0)
- [IBM WebSphere Application Server authorization bypass in authentication](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-95680-ibm-websphere-application-server-8-5-and-9-0-could-allow-an)
- [IBM WebSphere Application Server authentication bypass in CSIv2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-93907-ibm-websphere-application-server-8-5-and-9-0-could-allow-a-remote)
- [IBM WebSphere Application Server denial of service via resource consumption](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-103499-ibm-websphere-application-server-liberty-17-0-0-3-through-26-0-0)