How severe is CVE-2011-4889?

CVE-2011-4889 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2011-4889 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2011-4889?

CVE-2011-4889 affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2011-4889?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2011-4889 published?

CVE-2011-4889 was published on 2018-02-08 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2011-4889

CVE-2011-4889 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Ibm Websphere Application Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-254.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-254
Affected product: Ibm Websphere Application Server
Published: 2018-02-08
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The javax.naming.directory.AttributeInUseException class in the Virtual Member Manager in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.43, 7.0 before 7.0.0.21, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.2 does not properly update passwords on a configuration using Tivoli Directory Server, which might allow remote attackers to gain access to an application by leveraging knowledge of an old password. IBM X-Force ID: 72581.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2011-4889?: The javax.naming.directory.AttributeInUseException class in the Virtual Member Manager in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.43, 7.0 before 7.0.0.21, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.2 does not properly update passwords on a configuration using Tivoli Directory Server, which might allow remote attackers to gain access to an application by leveraging knowledge of an old password. IBM X-Force ID: 72581.
How severe is CVE-2011-4889?: CVE-2011-4889 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2011-4889 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2011-4889?: CVE-2011-4889 affects Ibm Websphere Application Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2011-4889?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2011-4889 published?: CVE-2011-4889 was published on 2018-02-08 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:ibm:websphere_application_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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