Overview
Recently, NSFOCUS CERT detected that IBM issued a security bulletin to fix the WebSphere Application Server remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-36038); Due to a flaw in WebSphere Application Server’ s validation of user-entered data, an unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code on the target system by constructing malicious serialized data. CVSS score 9.0, please take measures to protect yourself as soon as possible.
WebSphere Application Server is an enterprise-level web middleware provided by IBM. Due to its reliability, flexibility and robustness, it is widely used in corporate web services.
Reference link:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7237967
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7238168
Scope of Impact
Affected versions
- 8.5.0.0 <= WebSphere Application Server <= 8.5.5.27
- 9.0.0.0 <= WebSphere Application Server <= 9.0.5.24
- WebSphere Service Registry and Repository = 8.5
Unaffected versions
- WebSphere Application Server >= 8.5.5.28
- WebSphere Application Server >= 9.0.5.25
Detection
Version detection
Relevant users can determine whether the current application is risky through version detection.
Method 1: Log in to the homepage of the websphere management platform to view version information.
If the current version in use is within the affected range, there may be a security risk.
Method 2: Enter the /opt/IBM/WebSphere/AppServer/bin directory and execute ./versionInfo.sh to view the current version. If the current version is within the affected range, there may be a security risk.
| ./versionInfo.sh |
Exposed Surface Investigation
Cloud detection
NSFOCUS External Attack Surface Management Service (EASM) supports Internet asset investigation of CVE-2025-36038 vulnerability risks. It has helped service customer groups complete exposure surface investigations and conduct vulnerability warnings and closed-loop disposal in a timely manner before threats occur. Interested customers can arrange detailed consultation and communication by contacting their local regional team at NSFOCUS or sending an email to rs@nsfocus.com.
Tool Troubleshooting
NSFOCUS Automated Penetration Testing Tool (EZ) supports fingerprint recognition and troubleshooting of WebSphere. Users can directly use the web module for scanning and detection:
Tool download link: https://github.com/m-sec-org/EZ/releases
New users please register for the M-SEC community to apply for a certificate.
Mitigation
Official upgrade
The official update has been released to fix this vulnerability. It is recommended that affected users install it in time for protection. Download link: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7237824
Relevant users can upgrade through IBM Installation Manager, and update the version and install patches according to the prompts.
Note: Please close the WebSphere service before installing the patch, and then start the service after the installation is completed.
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, a pioneering leader in cybersecurity, is dedicated to safeguarding telecommunications, Internet service providers, hosting providers, and enterprises from sophisticated cyberattacks.
Founded in 2000, NSFOCUS operates globally with over 4000 employees at two headquarters in Beijing, China, and Santa Clara, CA, USA, and over 50 offices worldwide. It has a proven track record of protecting over 25% of the Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the five largest banks and six of the world’s top ten telecommunications companies.
Leveraging technical prowess and innovation, NSFOCUS delivers a comprehensive suite of security solutions, including the Intelligent Security Operations Platform (ISOP) for modern SOC, DDoS Protection, Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) Service and Web Application and API Protection (WAAP). All the solutions and services are augmented by the Security Large Language Model (SecLLM), ML, patented algorithms and other cutting-edge research achievements developed by NSFOCUS.
