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The CVE-2025-36017 vulnerability exists in IBM Controller and IBM Cognos Controller software.
The affected versions are IBM Controller 11.1.0 through 11.1.1 and IBM Cognos Controller 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 FP6.
This security flaw involves the improper handling of sensitive information by the application.
Specifically, the software stores sensitive data in environmental variables or configuration files.
Crucially, this stored information is not encrypted.
Environmental variables are used to dynamically influence the behavior of running processes.
Files containing these variables are often created for configuration or state management.
In this case, they hold sensitive details like credentials or API keys.
The vulnerability allows an authenticated user on the system to access these files.
An authenticated user is someone with valid login credentials for the application or system.
Once accessed, the user can read the unencrypted content directly.
The exposure occurs because the files lack adequate access controls and encryption.
This is a classic case of sensitive data exposure due to insecure storage.
The core issue is the failure to protect sensitive information at rest.
Attackers do not need advanced tools to exploit this; standard file reading commands suffice.
The vulnerability stems from a security misconfiguration in the software’s data handling.
It highlights a lapse in following security best practices for credential management.
Storing secrets in plaintext within accessible files is a significant security risk.
This flaw could be part of the application’s initialization or configuration process.
Ultimately, it enables information disclosure to any user who can authenticate to the system.
Platform: IBM Controller
Version: 11.1.0-11.1.1,11.0.0-11.0.1
Vulnerability: Unencrypted data exposure
Severity: Medium
date: 12/08/2025
Prediction: Patch TBD
What Undercode Say:
Analytics: Commands for inspecting environment and files.
Bash: `env`, `printenv`, `cat /proc//environ`
Bash: `grep -r “PASSWORD” /path/to/controller/`
Bash: `ls -la /tmp/.env /var/run/.config`
Code: Access file.read() on env variables path.
how Exploit:
An authenticated user logs into the system running the vulnerable controller.
The user identifies the location of environmental variable files used by the application.
Using simple system commands like ‘cat’ or ‘type’, the user reads the target file.
The file contains unencrypted sensitive information, such as database passwords.
The user extracts and collects this plaintext sensitive data for malicious use.
Protection from this CVE
Apply encryption to all sensitive data stored in files.
Implement strict file permission controls (e.g., chmod 600) on configuration files.
Follow the principle of least privilege for application and user accounts.
Remove sensitive hard-coded credentials from configuration and environment files.
Use secure secret management services or vaults instead of plaintext files.
Impact:
Sensitive information like passwords and keys can be leaked.
An authenticated attacker could escalate privileges within the system.
Compromised credentials may lead to further unauthorized access and data breaches.
This vulnerability damages system confidentiality and violates security policies.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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