CVE-2025-1138 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-548, which pertains to the exposure of information through directory listing. Specifically, this flaw allows an authenticated user to access directory listings that reveal sensitive information about the server's file structure or contents. While the vulnerability does not allow direct modification or deletion of data, the disclosed information could assist an attacker in mapping the system, identifying additional attack vectors, or crafting targeted exploits. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have valid credentials (privileged or non-privileged) to authenticate to the system, but does not require any user interaction beyond authentication. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a network attack vector with low complexity, requiring privileges, and resulting in limited confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet. The exposure through directory listing typically occurs due to misconfigured web servers or application components that fail to disable directory browsing, thus inadvertently revealing file names, structures, or configuration files that should remain hidden.

For European organizations using IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive internal information. Although the direct impact on confidentiality is limited, the information gained could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. Organizations in sectors with high data sensitivity—such as finance, healthcare, and government—may face increased risk if attackers leverage this information to compromise critical systems. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability directly, but the potential for subsequent attacks could lead to more severe consequences. Given the requirement for authenticated access, the threat is more significant in environments where user credentials are weak, reused, or compromised. The exposure could also aid attackers in reconnaissance activities, increasing the likelihood of successful targeted attacks against European enterprises relying on this IBM product for data integration and governance.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first verify and restrict directory listing settings on all IBM InfoSphere Information Server web components and underlying web servers. Disabling directory browsing or listing features is critical to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and ensure that only necessary users have authenticated access to the system. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), can reduce the risk of credential compromise. Regularly auditing user permissions and monitoring access logs for unusual directory access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts early. Since no official patch is currently available, organizations should engage with IBM support for guidance and monitor IBM security advisories for forthcoming fixes. Network segmentation and application-layer firewalls can further limit exposure by restricting access to the InfoSphere server to trusted hosts and networks. Finally, conducting internal penetration testing and vulnerability assessments focused on directory listing and information disclosure can proactively identify and remediate similar misconfigurations.