CVE-2025-0823
📋 TL;DR
This directory traversal vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files on the server by sending specially crafted URL requests containing '../' sequences. Affected organizations are those running IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.2.0-11.2.4 FP5 or 12.0.0-12.0.4 without proper security controls.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Cognos Analytics
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could read sensitive system files, configuration files, or credential files, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Attackers would read configuration files, log files, or other sensitive data that could be used for further attacks or information gathering.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact would be limited to reading non-sensitive files within the application's accessible directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Directory traversal attacks are well-understood and easy to automate. The vulnerability requires no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply IBM Cognos Analytics 11.2.4 FP6 or 12.0.4 FP1
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7183676
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the fix pack from IBM Fix Central. 2. Apply the fix pack following IBM's installation instructions. 3. Restart the Cognos Analytics service. 4. Verify the patch is applied by checking the version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules
allConfigure WAF to block requests containing directory traversal sequences like '../' or URL-encoded equivalents.
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to Cognos Analytics servers to only trusted networks and users.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit which IP addresses can reach the Cognos Analytics server.
- Deploy a web application firewall with rules specifically blocking directory traversal patterns in URLs.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if your IBM Cognos Analytics version falls within the affected ranges: 11.2.0-11.2.4 FP5 or 12.0.0-12.0.4.Check Version:
Check the version in the Cognos Administration console under 'About' or examine the installation directory for version files.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version is 11.2.4 FP6 or higher, or 12.0.4 FP1 or higher.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' sequences in URLs
- Multiple failed attempts to access files outside expected directories
- Unusual file access patterns from single IP addresses
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f)
- Bursts of requests to non-standard file paths
SIEM Query:
source="cognos_access.log" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*%2e%2e%2f*")