CVE-2025-2139 identifies a security weakness in IBM Engineering Requirements Management Doors Next versions 7.0.2, 7.0.3, and 7.1, where server-side security enforcement is improperly delegated to the client side. This design flaw (classified under CWE-602: Client-Side Enforcement of Server-Side Security) allows an authenticated user on the network to bypass intended access controls and delete reviews authored by other users. Reviews in this context are critical artifacts in requirements management workflows, often serving as formal records of stakeholder feedback and approval. Because the enforcement of deletion permissions is handled on the client rather than securely on the server, malicious or careless users can manipulate client requests to remove reviews without proper authorization. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have network access and valid authentication credentials but does not require additional user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 3.5 reflects a low severity rating, with the impact confined to integrity loss (unauthorized deletion of reviews) and no impact on confidentiality or availability. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported to date. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust server-side authorization checks in enterprise software, especially in collaborative environments where data integrity is paramount.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential loss of integrity in requirements management data. Unauthorized deletion of reviews can disrupt project workflows, cause loss of critical audit trails, and undermine trust in the requirements approval process. This could lead to compliance issues, especially in regulated industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices, where IBM Doors Next is commonly used. While the vulnerability does not expose confidential information or cause system downtime, the ability to alter or remove review records could facilitate insider threats or sabotage by disgruntled employees or attackers who have gained authenticated access. The risk is heightened in environments with lax network segmentation or weak authentication controls. Given the collaborative nature of requirements management, such integrity violations could delay projects, increase costs, and reduce overall product quality.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor IBM’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once released. 2) Restrict network access to IBM Doors Next servers to trusted users and networks using firewalls and VPNs to reduce the attack surface. 3) Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, to limit the risk of credential compromise. 4) Implement logging and alerting on review deletion events to detect unauthorized or suspicious activities quickly. 5) Conduct regular audits of review records and user permissions to identify anomalies. 6) Educate users about the importance of secure handling of client software and discourage use of unauthorized client modifications. 7) Consider network segmentation to isolate critical engineering systems from general user networks. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on compensating controls until a vendor patch is available.