# CVE-2026-95680: IBM WebSphere Application Server authorization bypass in authentication

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-95680-ibm-websphere-application-server-8-5-and-9-0-could-allow-an  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-95680 · Severity: high · CVSS 8 · Published 2026-10-13

IBM WebSphere Application Server is a middleware platform that hosts enterprise Java applications and manages security across multiple server instances. An authenticated attacker could bypass authorization controls to impersonate administrators across the entire application cell, gaining full control over the infrastructure. This allows a compromised internal account to escalate to administrative privileges without additional credentials.

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-2026-95680 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-95680 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-95680?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5, 9.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-95680?** Yes: fixed in WebSphere Application Server 9.0.5.30, 8.5.5.32 or later; or interim fix resolving APAR DT501779. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-95680 attacked?** It is attacked from the adjacent network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-95680?** 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.

## How to fix

- Fixed in WebSphere Application Server 9.0.5.30, 8.5.5.32 or later; or interim fix resolving APAR DT501779

## Technical details

An improper authentication vulnerability (CWE-287) in WebSphere Application Server allows authenticated attackers to bypass authorization and impersonate administrative users across the cell. The attack requires existing valid credentials and network access but no user interaction. An attacker with any authenticated account can escalate to administrative privileges, compromising the entire server infrastructure.

## Affected products

- IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5, 9.0

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7292213](https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7292213)

## 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 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)
- [IBM WebSphere Application Server HTTP request smuggling](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-11722-ibm-websphere-application-server-and-websphere-application-server)