CVE-2025-36357
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-36357 is a directory traversal vulnerability in IBM Planning Analytics Local that allows authenticated remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted URL requests containing absolute path sequences to read, write, or view sensitive files. This affects IBM Planning Analytics Local versions 2.1.0 through 2.1.14.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Planning Analytics Local
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise through reading sensitive configuration files, writing malicious files, or accessing credentials leading to complete data breach and system takeover.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive business data, configuration files, or user information stored on the server, potentially leading to data theft or further privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent authenticated attackers from reaching vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is technically simple once credentials are obtained. The vulnerability is in URL path handling.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.15 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7251265
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download IBM Planning Analytics Local version 2.1.15 or later from IBM Fix Central. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Stop the Planning Analytics Local service. 4. Install the updated version. 5. Restart the service. 6. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
allRestrict network access to Planning Analytics Local to only trusted IP addresses and users who require access.
Enhanced Authentication Controls
allImplement multi-factor authentication and strong password policies to reduce risk of credential compromise.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Planning Analytics Local from sensitive systems and data
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block directory traversal patterns in URL requests
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of IBM Planning Analytics Local via the administration console or by examining installation directories for version files.Check Version:
Check the version in the Planning Analytics Local administration interface or review the product documentation for version identification methods.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the version is 2.1.15 or later and test that directory traversal attempts via crafted URLs are properly rejected.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual URL patterns with absolute paths or directory traversal sequences (../, ..\) in web server logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login and unusual file access patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences to Planning Analytics Local endpoints
- Unusual outbound data transfers from the Planning Analytics server
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*..\\*") AND dest_ip="[Planning_Analytics_IP]"