CVE-2020-4589

Name: CVE-2020-4589
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-08-13T12:15:25.167+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 8.46%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-4589 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with a specially-crafted sequence of serialized objects from untrusted sources. IBM X-Force ID: 184585.. EPSS estimates a 8.46% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with a specially-crafted sequence of serialized objects from untrusted sources. IBM X-Force ID: 184585.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

8.46%

94.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-502

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 7.0.0.0, <= 7.0.0.45
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 8.0.0.0, <= 8.0.0.15
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 8.5.0.0, <= 8.5.5.17
Ibm	Websphere Application Server	>= 9.0.0.0, <= 9.0.5.4

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/184585VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6258333Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/184585VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6258333Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 13, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-4589?

How severe is CVE-2020-4589?

CVE-2020-4589 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 8.46% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-4589?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-4589?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST