CVE-2022-47986 IBM Aspera Faspex Code Execution

Exploited in the wild Critical 9.8 Published 17 Feb 2023 Updated 21 Oct 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on IBM Aspera Faspex servers via a YAML deserialization flaw in an obsolete API call.

Exploited in the wild: Since 21 Feb 2023
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-47986?

CVE-2022-47986 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in IBM Aspera Faspex, published on 17 Feb 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

IBM Aspera Faspex 4.4.2 Patch Level 1 and earlier could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a YAML deserialization flaw. By sending a specially crafted obsolete API call, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system. The obsolete API call was removed in Faspex 4.4.2 PL2. IBM X-Force ID: 243512.

Weakness: CWE-502

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-47986?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Ibm Aspera Faspex.

How do I fix CVE-2022-47986?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-47986 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 14 Mar 2023.

Upgrade, and only deserialise data from trusted sources or with an allow-list of types. More about Unsafe deserialization.

Is CVE-2022-47986 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2022-47986 in the wild since at least 21 Feb 2023, including in ransomware campaigns.

Public exploit code: 1 Exploit-DB entry, 1 Nuclei template and 2 proofs of concept on GitHub.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-3w56-qhmc-wqwr.