CVE-2025-36335 refers to a medium-severity vulnerability affecting IBM watsonx.data versions 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.3.0, and 5.3.1. This vulnerability allows local users to read user credentials stored in plain text, which poses significant security risks. Organizations utilizing these versions must be aware of the potential exposure of sensitive information.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.2, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local, with low attack complexity, and no privileges or user interaction are required to exploit it. This highlights the need for immediate attention to mitigate potential risks to confidentiality.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive user credentials, which can lead to further exploitation within the system. Given the nature of the data involved, it is crucial for organizations to address this vulnerability in their security protocols.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the security of their systems. The vulnerability was published on April 30, 2026, and has been classified as analyzed, indicating that further details are available for remediation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2025-36335 states that IBM watsonx.data versions 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.3.0, and 5.3.1 store user credentials in plain text, making them accessible to local users. This vulnerability falls under CWE-256, which pertains to storing sensitive information in an insecure manner.
The CVSS score of 6.2 signifies that while it is not the highest severity, it still presents a moderate risk that can lead to significant issues if not addressed. The affected products are clearly defined as IBM watsonx.data, and the publication date of this vulnerability is April 30, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure storage of user credentials, which are kept in plain text. Attackers with local access can easily read these credentials, resulting in a breach of confidentiality.
The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker must have physical or authorized access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, as no special privileges or user interaction are required. Confidentiality is significantly impacted, while integrity and availability remain unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2025-36335 is considerable. Organizations that utilize the affected versions of IBM watsonx.data should recognize that local access can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data. This vulnerability represents a potential blast radius that can extend beyond individual users, affecting overall organizational security.
Given the CVSS score of 6.2, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The risk of exposing user credentials necessitates immediate action to mitigate potential exploitation and safeguard sensitive information.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of IBM watsonx.data are 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.3.0, and 5.3.1. Organizations using these versions should take immediate steps to remediate the vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying patches or updates to the affected versions of IBM watsonx.data. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing configuration hardening measures to protect sensitive data. Additionally, monitor for any unauthorized access attempts to detect potential exploitation.
For further resources on penetration testing, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services to assess their security posture further.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for any unusual access patterns and review logs to identify any unauthorized access attempts to the system. Behavioral anomalies related to user credential access should also be investigated to ensure that sensitive information is not being exploited.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-36335 highlights the importance of secure credential storage practices. This vulnerability represents a trend where organizations must prioritize data security, especially in systems that handle sensitive information.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a comprehensive security strategy that includes regular security assessments. For more insights into effective security practices, organizations can refer to our vulnerability management program design guide.
In addition, understanding the methodologies behind penetration testing can greatly enhance an organization's resilience. For further reading, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology article.
Finally, a focus on continuous security improvement is crucial. Organizations should consider insights from our continuous penetration testing guide to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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