CVE-2026-14529 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2026
IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0, and 8.5 and IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.8 traditional is vulnerable to server-side request forgery (SSRF) when the SIP container feature (sipServlet-1.1) is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2026
The vulnerability identified in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 9.0, 8.5, and Liberty versions 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.8 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw that emerges when the SIP container feature is enabled. This security weakness resides within the sipServlet-1.1 component and exposes systems to unauthorized external requests that can be manipulated by attackers to bypass security controls and access internal network resources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of URI schemes in requests processed through the SIP servlet container, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that appear to originate internally while actually targeting external systems or internal services.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the WebSphere Application Server's handling of Session Initiation Protocol requests where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them through the SIP container. This allows an attacker to specify arbitrary URI schemes and destinations that can traverse firewalls and network boundaries, effectively bypassing normal access controls. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-918 as a server-side request forgery attack, which specifically targets applications that process user-supplied input without proper validation of the intended destination. When the sipServlet-1.1 feature is enabled, the application server becomes vulnerable to attacks where malicious requests can be crafted to access internal resources that would normally be protected by network segmentation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it creates potential pathways for attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities against internal networks, access sensitive services, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to probe internal systems, access databases or other backend services that are not directly exposed to the internet, or even establish command and control channels through the compromised server. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where WebSphere Application Server serves as a gateway or intermediary between different network segments, as it provides attackers with an indirect method of accessing otherwise protected internal resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including disabling the sipServlet-1.1 feature when not actively required, implementing strict input validation and URI scheme filtering within application configurations, and applying the latest security patches provided by IBM. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to the SIP container endpoints and implement monitoring controls to detect unusual outbound requests originating from the affected servers. According to ATT&CK framework category T1566, this vulnerability represents a server-side request forgery technique that can be used for initial access or lateral movement within compromised environments. Security teams should also review their network segmentation policies and ensure that any systems running WebSphere Application Server with SIP capabilities maintain appropriate boundary controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.