IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.7.0.0 through 11.7.1.6 contain a high-severity vulnerability that allows local users to access sensitive information, including user credentials, stored in plain text. This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating a high level of risk to organizations. The fact that sensitive information is stored in an unprotected format poses a serious threat, as attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized insights into user credentials and other confidential data.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information, which can lead to further exploitation of internal systems. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
As of now, there is no known public exploit available for this vulnerability, and it has not been listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the existence of plaintext storage of sensitive information is a critical concern that organizations must address promptly.
In light of the risk associated with this vulnerability, organizations are strongly encouraged to assess their current deployments of IBM InfoSphere Information Server and take appropriate actions to secure their environments.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability (CVE-2025-36258) is characterized by the storage of user credentials and sensitive information in plaintext, which can be accessed by local users. The CVSS score of 7.1 categorizes this vulnerability as high severity, highlighting the urgency for organizations to remediate. The vulnerability affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.7.0.0 through 11.7.1.6. The issue falls under the CWE classification of CWE-256, which indicates a problem with storing credentials securely.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of sensitive data, specifically the lack of encryption for stored user credentials. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges or user interaction are required to exploit the issue. The confidentiality impact is rated as high since sensitive information can be accessed, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations face significant risks if this vulnerability remains unaddressed. The potential for unauthorized access and data breaches could lead to compliance issues and reputational damage. Given that the vulnerability affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server, it is critical for organizations using this software to prioritize remediation in their patch cycles. The existence of plaintext credentials poses a broader threat, potentially allowing attackers to pivot and compromise other systems.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.7.0.0 through 11.7.1.6. Organizations using these versions should prioritize remediation.
Mitigation & Remediation
IBM has indicated that a patch is available to remediate this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they update to the latest version of IBM InfoSphere Information Server as soon as possible. In addition to applying the patch, organizations should review their security configurations to ensure sensitive information is not stored in plaintext. Implementing encryption for sensitive data storage is critical in maintaining data confidentiality.
For further mitigation, organizations may consider conducting a comprehensive security assessment. Engaging in regular application security assessment can help identify similar weaknesses and bolster defenses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts and review configurations for sensitive information storage practices. Behavioral anomalies may indicate unauthorized access to user credentials, and network signatures should be established to identify unexpected data access patterns.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2025-36258 lies in its representation of common misconfigurations around sensitive data handling. Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance their data protection strategies. Implementing robust data encryption practices and regular security assessments can prevent similar vulnerabilities.
For organizations looking to strengthen their security posture, engaging in red teaming services can provide insights into potential attack vectors.
Additionally, reviewing vulnerability management programs can help organizations systematically address security weaknesses.
Finally, organizations should ensure they maintain an updated knowledge base on potential threats through continuous monitoring and threat intelligence integration.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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