CVE-2025-36158
📋 TL;DR
IBM Concert versions 1.0.0 through 2.0.0 contain an uncontrolled recursive directory copying vulnerability that allows local users with specific permissions to access sensitive files they shouldn't be able to read. This affects organizations using IBM Concert within the vulnerable version range. The vulnerability enables information disclosure through improper file system access.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Concert
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious local user could exfiltrate sensitive configuration files, credentials, or proprietary data stored in directories accessible to the IBM Concert application, potentially leading to further system compromise or data breach.
Likely Case
Local users with specific IBM Concert permissions could access sensitive files containing configuration details, logs, or temporary data that could be used for reconnaissance or privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to authorized users accessing files within their intended scope, though still representing an information disclosure risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific permissions within IBM Concert; the vulnerability involves directory traversal through recursive copying operations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check IBM advisory for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7252019
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory at provided URL
2. Apply IBM-recommended patches or updates
3. Restart IBM Concert services
4. Verify the fix by testing directory access controls
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file system permissions
linuxImplement strict file system permissions to limit what IBM Concert users can access
chmod 750 /path/to/ibm/concert/directories
chown root:ibmconcert /path/to/sensitive/directories
Implement access control lists
linuxUse ACLs to restrict which users can access sensitive directories
setfacl -m u:ibmconcert:rx /path/to/sensitive/directories
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls for IBM Concert users
- Monitor file access patterns and audit sensitive directory accesses
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IBM Concert version against affected range (1.0.0-2.0.0) and review file system permissions for recursive copy operationsCheck Version:
Check IBM Concert documentation or configuration files for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Test that users with specific permissions cannot access sensitive files outside their intended scope through directory copying📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file copy operations by IBM Concert users
- Access to sensitive directories by non-admin users
- Recursive directory operations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="ibm_concert" AND (event="file_copy" OR event="directory_traversal") AND user!="admin"