CVE-2025-1499 is a vulnerability identified in IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7, categorized under CWE-312, which pertains to the cleartext storage of sensitive information. Specifically, this vulnerability arises because the product stores credential information used for database authentication in a parameter file without encryption or adequate protection. This file can be accessed and viewed by any authenticated user within the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) shows that the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires privileges of an authenticated user (low privileges), does not require user interaction, and impacts confidentiality with high severity but does not affect integrity or availability. The vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild as of the published date. The core technical issue is the insecure storage of database credentials in cleartext, which could allow an authenticated user to retrieve these credentials and potentially gain unauthorized access to backend databases or escalate privileges within the environment. This vulnerability is particularly critical in environments where multiple users have authenticated access to the InfoSphere server but should not have access to database credentials. The lack of encryption or secure storage mechanisms for these credentials violates best practices for credential management and increases the risk of lateral movement or data breaches if an attacker compromises a low-privileged account.

For European organizations using IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of database credentials. If an attacker or malicious insider gains authenticated access to the InfoSphere server, they could extract database credentials stored in cleartext and use them to access sensitive backend databases. This could lead to unauthorized data access, data leakage, or further compromise of critical systems. Given that InfoSphere is often used in data integration, warehousing, and analytics environments, the exposure of database credentials could impact the confidentiality of large volumes of sensitive or regulated data, including personal data protected under GDPR. The vulnerability does not directly affect data integrity or availability but indirectly increases the risk of broader compromise. European organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, where InfoSphere is deployed, could face regulatory and reputational consequences if sensitive data is exposed due to this vulnerability. The requirement for authenticated access limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already compromised user credentials, but the ease of exploitation (low complexity) and network accessibility make it a notable risk.

To mitigate CVE-2025-1499, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately review and restrict user access to the IBM InfoSphere Information Server, ensuring that only trusted and necessary personnel have authenticated access, applying the principle of least privilege. 2) Monitor and audit access logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts to the parameter files or credential storage locations. 3) If possible, apply vendor patches or updates once IBM releases a fix addressing the cleartext storage issue. Since no patch links are currently available, organizations should engage with IBM support for guidance or workarounds. 4) Implement compensating controls such as encrypting the file system or directories where the parameter files reside, using OS-level encryption or access controls to limit file readability. 5) Rotate database credentials regularly and immediately after any suspected exposure to limit the window of opportunity for attackers. 6) Consider deploying application-level encryption or secrets management solutions external to InfoSphere to avoid storing credentials in cleartext. 7) Conduct internal security awareness and training to reduce the risk of credential compromise by insiders. 8) Employ network segmentation to isolate InfoSphere servers and backend databases, reducing the risk of lateral movement if credentials are compromised.