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 database authentication credentials in a parameter file without encryption or adequate protection, allowing any authenticated user with access to the system to view these credentials in cleartext. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L), but requires privileges (PR:L) meaning the attacker must be an authenticated user with some level of access to the system. No user interaction is needed (UI:N), and the scope is unchanged (S:U). The impact is high on confidentiality (C:H) because exposure of database credentials can lead to unauthorized access to backend databases, but there is no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N) of the system itself. This vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild as of the published date. The lack of encryption or secure storage mechanisms for sensitive credentials represents a significant security weakness, as it could facilitate lateral movement within an organization’s network or unauthorized data access if an attacker compromises a user account with access to the InfoSphere server. IBM InfoSphere Information Server is widely used in enterprise data integration, governance, and analytics environments, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations relying on this platform for critical data workflows.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-1499 can be substantial, especially for those in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government. Exposure of database credentials could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive or regulated data, potentially resulting in data breaches, non-compliance with GDPR, and significant reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, insider threats or compromised user accounts pose the greatest risk. Attackers gaining access to these credentials could move laterally within the network to access other systems or exfiltrate sensitive information. The confidentiality breach could also undermine trust in data governance and analytics processes, which are critical for decision-making in many European enterprises. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the indirect consequences of credential exposure could lead to broader security incidents. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict access to the IBM InfoSphere Information Server parameter files strictly to the minimum necessary privileged users and service accounts, employing file system permissions and access control lists (ACLs). 2) Implement robust authentication and authorization controls on the InfoSphere server to limit the number of users with access to sensitive configuration files. 3) Monitor and audit access logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts to these files. 4) Where possible, configure the environment to use encrypted credential storage or leverage external secrets management solutions (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, Azure Key Vault) to avoid storing credentials in cleartext files. 5) Regularly rotate database credentials to limit the window of exposure if credentials are compromised. 6) Apply network segmentation to isolate the InfoSphere server and backend databases, reducing the risk of lateral movement. 7) Stay updated with IBM security advisories for patches or configuration updates addressing this issue, and apply them promptly once available. 8) Conduct security awareness training emphasizing the risks of credential exposure and the importance of safeguarding access credentials. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, credential management, and monitoring tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.