CVE-2026-14976 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2026
IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.8 is affected by remote code execution with the collectiveController-1.0 feature enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2026
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty affects versions ranging from 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.8 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited when the collectiveController-1.0 feature is enabled. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the server's administrative interface, specifically in how it processes requests related to collective controller functionality. The collectiveController-1.0 feature allows administrators to manage multiple Liberty servers as a unified group, but this capability introduces a security gap that attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the running process.
The technical flaw manifests when the server receives specially crafted HTTP requests through the collective controller interface, which bypasses normal authentication and authorization checks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-74 and CWE-79 categories, representing improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries and injection flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires network access to the server's administrative port where the collective controller is enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks or the internet.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected Liberty server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited without requiring prior authentication, making it especially severe as it eliminates the need for credentials in the initial attack phase. Organizations running multiple Liberty servers under collective management are at heightened risk, as compromise of a single server can provide attackers with access to the entire collective group.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions where this vulnerability has been resolved. Administrators should disable the collectiveController-1.0 feature if it is not actively required in their environment, and implement network segmentation to restrict access to administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous requests to administrative ports and ensure that only trusted IP addresses can reach these endpoints. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for both defensive measures and detection capabilities to address such threats effectively.
Organizations should also conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected Liberty server instances and implement proper access controls using firewalls and intrusion prevention systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management and the principle of least privilege in preventing unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that remediation measures are effective and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application server environment.