CVE-2025-36007 is a vulnerability identified in IBM QRadar SIEM version 7.5.0 through 7.5.0 Update Pack 13 Independent Fix 02, classified under CWE-266 (Incorrect Privilege Assignment). The issue stems from an update script within the QRadar SIEM platform that is assigned improper privileges, allowing users with limited access rights to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited locally (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), and requires low privileges (PR:L). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), as an attacker could gain unauthorized administrative control over the SIEM system. QRadar SIEM is a critical security monitoring tool used by organizations to detect and respond to cyber threats. A successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate logs, disable alerts, or gain broader network access, severely undermining an organization's security posture. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a significant risk. The vulnerability was published on October 27, 2025, with no patches currently linked, highlighting the need for immediate attention from affected users.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36007 is substantial due to QRadar SIEM's role in security event monitoring and incident response. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized administrative access, allowing attackers to tamper with security logs, disable detection mechanisms, and potentially move laterally within networks. This compromises the confidentiality of sensitive data, the integrity of security monitoring, and the availability of critical security infrastructure. Sectors such as finance, government, energy, and telecommunications, which rely heavily on SIEM solutions for regulatory compliance and threat detection, face heightened risks. The disruption or manipulation of SIEM data could delay or prevent detection of other attacks, increasing the likelihood of successful breaches. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks against European critical infrastructure. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the risk remains high given the vulnerability's nature and potential impact.

1. Immediately review and restrict privileges assigned to update scripts and related processes within QRadar SIEM to ensure the principle of least privilege is enforced. 2. Monitor system logs and audit trails for unusual privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized access to update scripts. 3. Implement strict access controls and role-based access management to limit who can execute or modify update scripts. 4. Isolate QRadar SIEM management interfaces and restrict access to trusted administrators only, preferably via VPN or secure channels. 5. Apply any vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available; engage with IBM support to obtain interim fixes or workarounds. 6. Conduct a thorough security review of the QRadar deployment, including verifying the integrity of update scripts and configuration files. 7. Employ network segmentation to limit the potential lateral movement from compromised SIEM systems. 8. Educate administrators about the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce strong operational security practices around SIEM management.