CVE-2026-14909 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2026
IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.9 is affected by an information disclosure vulnerability that allows an authenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information when restConnector-2.0 is enbabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2026
The identified security flaw resides within IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty, specifically affecting versions ranging from 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.9. This vulnerability constitutes a critical information disclosure risk that arises when the restConnector-2.0 feature is enabled on the server instance. The core of the issue lies in the improper handling of administrative requests processed by this connector, which serves as an interface for managing and configuring the application server environment remotely. When activated, this component exposes internal system details to users who have successfully authenticated against the Liberty runtime, thereby bypassing what should be strict access controls designed to protect sensitive operational data.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to retrieve information that is not intended for general consumption or even standard administrative oversight without specific justification. This typically includes configuration files, internal state variables, security credentials, or other metadata that reveals the underlying architecture and setup of the server. The presence of such sensitive data in accessible endpoints creates a significant attack surface where adversaries can gather intelligence to plan further exploitation steps. By understanding the exact versioning, patch levels, and installed features through this disclosed information, an attacker can tailor subsequent attacks with greater precision and effectiveness against the targeted infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly for organizations relying on WebSphere Liberty for mission-critical applications. While the initial access requires authentication, which provides a layer of defense, it does not mitigate the risk entirely since compromised credentials are common in enterprise environments. Once an attacker gains valid login privileges, they can exploit this flaw to map out the server's capabilities and weaknesses. This intelligence gathering phase is often a precursor to more severe attacks such as privilege escalation, remote code execution, or denial of service. The exposure undermines the confidentiality integrity required for secure application deployment and violates fundamental security principles regarding least privilege access.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which classifies information exposure where sensitive data is accessible to unauthorized actors. It also maps closely to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Discovery, specifically those involving system configuration discovery or application software discovery. Attackers utilize these methods to build a comprehensive profile of the target environment before initiating more destructive actions. The reliance on an authenticated vector means that robust identity and access management practices are essential, yet this flaw highlights how even properly configured authentication systems can be undermined by poorly secured administrative interfaces.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must ensure that their WebSphere Application Server Liberty instances are updated to a version beyond 26.0.0.9 where the underlying code has been corrected to restrict access to sensitive endpoints or remove them entirely if not required. If updating is not immediately feasible, administrators should consider disabling the restConnector-2.0 feature unless it is strictly necessary for operational workflows. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help limit exposure by restricting access to administrative ports only from trusted IP addresses. Regular auditing of enabled features and continuous monitoring for anomalous requests targeting administrative endpoints are also recommended practices to detect potential exploitation attempts early in the kill chain.