CVE-2025-2140 identifies a vulnerability in IBM Engineering Requirements Management Doors Next versions 7.0.2, 7.0.3, and 7.1, where improper origin validation (CWE-346) allows an authenticated user on the network to spoof the email sender identity. The root cause is insufficient verification of the source data used to determine the email sender, enabling attackers with legitimate network access and low privileges to impersonate other users or system components in email communications generated or processed by the application. This vulnerability does not disclose sensitive information or disrupt service availability but compromises the integrity of email-based communications within the affected environment. The CVSS v3.1 score of 5.7 reflects medium severity, with attack vector being adjacent network, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. The attacker must be authenticated, which limits exposure to internal or trusted network users. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability could facilitate phishing, social engineering, or unauthorized command execution workflows if email trust is leveraged within organizational processes. IBM has not yet published patches but awareness and preparatory mitigation are advised.

For European organizations, the primary impact is on the integrity of email communications within IBM Doors Next environments. Spoofed emails could be used to deceive employees, manipulate requirements management workflows, or escalate privileges through social engineering. This could lead to project delays, unauthorized changes in requirements, or leakage of strategic planning information indirectly. While confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the trustworthiness of internal communications is undermined, potentially impacting compliance and audit trails. Organizations in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and critical infrastructure—where IBM Doors Next is commonly used—may face increased risk of targeted insider threats or supply chain manipulation. The requirement for authenticated access limits external exploitation but does not eliminate insider threat risks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate urgency but does not preclude future attacks.

Organizations should monitor IBM communications for official patches and apply them promptly once released. Until patches are available, restrict network access to IBM Doors Next to trusted users only and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. Implement additional email origin verification controls such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC within the corporate email infrastructure to detect and block spoofed messages. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing spoofed emails and social engineering attempts. Review and harden internal workflows that rely on email-based approvals or commands within Doors Next to require multi-factor verification. Employ network segmentation to isolate the application environment and monitor for anomalous email traffic patterns. Maintain detailed logging and audit trails to detect suspicious activity related to email spoofing. Engage with IBM support for guidance and updates on remediation timelines.