CVE-2024-35142 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) affecting IBM Security Verify Access Docker versions 10.0.0 through 10.0.6. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to escalate privileges due to the software executing certain processes or commands with higher privileges than necessary. This improper privilege management can be exploited without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it a significant risk if an attacker gains local access to the host running the affected Docker container. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of security configurations, or disruption of service. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.4 reflects a high severity, with attack vector limited to local access but low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature suggests that attackers with local access could leverage it to gain administrative control over the container environment or underlying host. IBM Security Verify Access is widely used in enterprise environments for identity and access management, often protecting critical applications and data. The Docker deployment model increases the attack surface if container host security is not tightly controlled. The absence of published patches at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on mitigating controls to reduce risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat especially to enterprises and public sector entities using IBM Security Verify Access Docker for identity and access management. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to compromise sensitive authentication mechanisms, access confidential user data, or disrupt access control policies. This could result in data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and operational downtime. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on robust access management solutions. The local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who have gained initial foothold via other means could escalate privileges further, amplifying the impact. Additionally, the containerized deployment model means that if the host or container environment is not properly isolated or secured, the vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score demands urgent attention.

1. Restrict local access to hosts running IBM Security Verify Access Docker containers to trusted administrators only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2. Apply the principle of least privilege rigorously on both container and host environments, ensuring processes run with the minimum necessary permissions. 3. Monitor and audit local user activities and privilege escalations on affected systems to detect suspicious behavior early. 4. Implement container security best practices, including isolating containers, using user namespaces, and limiting container capabilities to reduce attack surface. 5. Stay informed on IBM security advisories and apply patches or updates promptly once available. 6. Consider deploying host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify exploitation attempts. 7. Harden Docker daemon and host OS configurations to prevent unauthorized local access and privilege escalation. 8. If patching is delayed, consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling or restricting vulnerable components or services within the container environment. 9. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on container and host privilege boundaries.