A severe security flaw (CVE-2025-36038) in IBM WebSphere Application Server enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
This deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) carries a critical CVSS base score of 9.0, allowing unauthenticated threat actors to compromise systems by sending malicious serialized objects.
The flaw impacts widely used enterprise middleware platforms, posing significant risks to organizational infrastructure.
Technical Impact and Mechanism
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized objects, enabling attackers to bypass authentication controls and execute malicious payloads remotely.
Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including data theft, service disruption, and lateral network movement. The attack vector requires network access (AV:N) with high complexity (AC:H), but no user interaction (UI:N), and can affect adjacent systems (S:C).
IBM confirms the flaw allows “arbitrary code execution with a specially crafted sequence of serialized objects,” making it particularly dangerous for exposed servers.
Affected Products and Versions
| Product | Vulnerable Versions |
|---|---|
| IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0 | 9.0.0.0 – 9.0.5.24 |
| IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5 | 8.5.0.0 – 8.5.5.27 |
These versions remain prevalent in enterprise environments, requiring immediate remediation.
IBM confirms no workarounds exist, emphasizing that mitigation requires patching.
Remediation Timeline and Actions
IBM urges administrators to apply interim fixes for APAR PH66674 immediately.
Permanent solutions include:
- Version 9.0: Apply Fix Pack 9.0.5.25+ (available Q3 2025)
- Version 8.5: Apply Fix Pack 8.5.5.28+ (available Q3 2025)
Organizations must first upgrade to the minimum fix pack levels before applying interim fixes. - IBM’s security bulletin stresses that this vulnerability demands urgent action due to the critical nature of remote code execution risks.
This vulnerability highlights critical risks in enterprise middleware, necessitating immediate patch deployment to prevent systemic breaches.
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