CVE-2025-14923: IBM WebSphere Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2025-14923 Overview

IBM WebSphere Application Server - Liberty versions 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.2 contain a critical security vulnerability in the Security Utility component. When administering security settings, the affected versions could provide weaker than expected security protections, potentially exposing systems to unauthorized access and compromise.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty's Security Utility could allow attackers to bypass security controls, potentially leading to complete system compromise through hardcoded credentials and weak cryptographic implementations.

Affected Products

• IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.2
• IBM WebSphere Application Server (Liberty Profile)
• Systems using the Security Utility for administering security settings

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-03 - CVE-2025-14923 published to NVD
• 2026-03-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14923

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-321 (Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key) and CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials). The combination of these weakness types indicates a fundamental flaw in how the Security Utility handles cryptographic operations and credential management.

The vulnerability exists within the Security Utility component of IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty. When administrators use this utility to configure security settings, the system may employ weaker cryptographic protections than expected. This weakness could stem from the use of hardcoded cryptographic keys or credentials embedded within the application, making it possible for attackers with knowledge of these static values to bypass authentication mechanisms or decrypt sensitive data.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means that remote attackers can potentially exploit it without any prior authentication or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing deployments.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-14923 lies in the improper implementation of cryptographic practices within the Security Utility component. Specifically, the use of hardcoded cryptographic keys (CWE-321) combined with hardcoded credentials (CWE-798) creates a scenario where:

1. Cryptographic operations rely on static, predictable key material
2. Authentication mechanisms may contain embedded credentials that cannot be changed by administrators
3. Security configurations may not provide the expected level of protection due to these implementation weaknesses

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2025-14923 is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction for exploitation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying vulnerable IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty installations exposed to the network
2. Leveraging knowledge of hardcoded cryptographic keys to decrypt protected communications or stored credentials
3. Using hardcoded credentials to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions
4. Compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system

Due to the nature of hardcoded credentials and cryptographic weaknesses, the vulnerability mechanism involves improper security configurations in the Security Utility. Technical details regarding exploitation can be found in the IBM Security Guide.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14923

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected authentication attempts using default or hardcoded credential patterns against WebSphere Liberty administrative interfaces
• Anomalous decryption activities or unauthorized access to encrypted configuration data
• Unusual administrative API calls to the Security Utility component
• Log entries indicating successful authentication from unknown sources without corresponding legitimate administrator activity

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WebSphere Liberty server logs for authentication anomalies and unauthorized administrative access attempts
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect exploitation attempts targeting the Security Utility component
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to detect behavioral anomalies associated with credential abuse and unauthorized configuration changes
• Conduct regular configuration audits to identify systems running vulnerable versions (17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.2)

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the Security Utility component and authentication events
• Configure SIEM alerts for multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
• Monitor for outbound connections that may indicate data exfiltration following compromise
• Implement file integrity monitoring on WebSphere Liberty configuration directories

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14923

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty installations running versions 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.2
• Apply the security patch provided by IBM as soon as possible
• Review Security Utility configurations and rotate any credentials that may have been exposed
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems while patching is in progress
• Monitor affected systems for signs of compromise using the indicators identified above

Patch Information

IBM has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the IBM Security Guide for detailed patching instructions and download links. It is critical to update to a patched version of IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty that addresses the hardcoded credential and cryptographic key weaknesses.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to WebSphere Liberty administrative interfaces using firewall rules and access control lists
• Implement additional authentication layers (such as VPN or bastion hosts) for administrative access
• Enable and monitor enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts
• Consider temporarily disabling the Security Utility for non-essential operations until patching can be completed

# Configuration example - Restrict administrative access via server.xml
# Add host access restrictions to limit Security Utility exposure
<httpEndpoint id="defaultHttpEndpoint"
              host="127.0.0.1"
              httpPort="9080"
              httpsPort="9443" />
              
# Enable audit logging for security events
<auditFileHandler maxFiles="50" maxFileSize="100" />
<audit auditFileHandler="auditFileHandler" />