CVE-2025-0280
📋 TL;DR
A security vulnerability in HCL Compass allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the database. This affects organizations using HCL Compass for requirements management and defect tracking. The vulnerability stems from improper credential storage (CWE-257).
💻 Affected Systems
- HCL Compass
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full administrative access to the Compass database, allowing data theft, manipulation, or deletion of critical project tracking information.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users access sensitive project data, requirements documents, or defect reports, potentially exposing intellectual property.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the Compass application layer only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some authentication knowledge but is technically straightforward once credentials are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to HCL advisory KB0123627 for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hcl-software.com/csm?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0123627
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review HCL advisory KB0123627. 2. Download appropriate patch from HCL support portal. 3. Apply patch following HCL documentation. 4. Restart Compass services. 5. Verify authentication mechanisms are functioning correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to Compass servers to authorized users only
Enhanced Authentication
allImplement multi-factor authentication or integrate with enterprise identity providers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit Compass server exposure
- Enable comprehensive logging and monitoring for authentication attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Compass version against HCL advisory KB0123627. Review authentication configuration for credential storage issues.Check Version:
Check Compass administration console or consult HCL documentation for version verification commands specific to your deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify patch installation via version check. Test authentication with various user roles to ensure proper access controls.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed authentication attempts from unusual IPs
- Successful logins outside business hours
- Multiple authentication attempts in short timeframes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual database connection patterns
- Traffic to Compass servers from unauthorized networks
SIEM Query:
source="compass_logs" AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success") | stats count by src_ip user | where count > threshold