CVE-2026-10844 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/08/2026
IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.10 could allow a remote attacker to conduct phishing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2026
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty versions ranging from 17.0.0.3 to 26.0.0.10 represents a significant security risk primarily due to its potential for facilitating social engineering and phishing campaigns rather than direct system compromise or data exfiltration through traditional exploitation vectors. This flaw is rooted in how the application server handles URL redirections, specifically within components that manage authentication flows, proxy configurations, or external service integrations. When an attacker can manipulate these redirect mechanisms, they are able to craft malicious links that appear to originate from a trusted domain associated with IBM WebSphere Liberty deployments. The core technical flaw involves insufficient validation of the destination URLs during internal redirection processes, allowing for open redirect vulnerabilities where the server redirects users to arbitrary external sites without verifying if those destinations are within an allowed list or maintaining trust boundaries effectively.
From a technical perspective, this behavior aligns closely with CWE-601, which describes URL Redirection to Untrusted Site (Open Redirect). In many enterprise environments, WebSphere Liberty serves as the front-end gateway for internal applications or acts as a trusted identity provider in single sign-on architectures. If an attacker can exploit this redirect flaw, they can construct URLs that look legitimate because the initial part of the link points to the known and trusted IBM server address. The user clicks the link, sees the familiar domain name, and is then silently redirected by the vulnerable Liberty instance to a malicious site controlled by the attacker. This technique bypasses many basic security awareness filters and browser warnings since the user interaction begins on a trusted host.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple defacement or minor inconvenience; it directly enables sophisticated phishing attacks against employees, customers, or partners who interact with systems hosted on vulnerable Liberty instances. Attackers can embed these malicious links in emails, instant messages, or even legitimate-looking web pages that have been compromised via other means. Because the redirection happens server-side after the user has already clicked a link to a trusted domain, it significantly increases the likelihood of successful credential harvesting or malware delivery. Users are less likely to suspect foul play when they see their browser navigating away from what appears to be an official IBM infrastructure endpoint, making this a high-impact vector for initial access in broader attack chains.
This vulnerability maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1566.002, which covers Spearphishing Link attacks under the Initial Access tactic. The ability to disguise malicious destinations behind trusted domains is a hallmark of advanced persistent threats and organized cybercrime groups seeking to evade detection by security awareness programs that rely on domain reputation checks. Furthermore, it relates to CWE-437, an incomplete explanation of behavior in version 1 context, as older versions may lack the strict validation logic present in newer patches or configurations. The flaw essentially undermines the trust model established by the web server's identity, turning a trusted infrastructure component into a tool for deception.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural hardening. IBM has released updates that address this issue within the specified version range, so applying the latest cumulative fixes is the primary remediation step. Administrators should ensure they are running at least version 26.0.0.10 or later where these redirect validations have been strengthened. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict allow-lists for any internal redirection logic within their Liberty configurations to prevent arbitrary URL manipulation. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block open redirect patterns can provide an additional layer of defense. Security teams should also review authentication flows and proxy settings to ensure that no sensitive session tokens or credentials are passed through unvalidated redirects, thereby reducing the potential for credential theft even if a phishing link is successfully delivered.