CVE-2025-36016 is an open redirect vulnerability (CWE-601) identified in IBM Process Mining versions 2.0.1 and 2.0.1 IF001. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to craft a malicious URL that appears to originate from a trusted IBM Process Mining domain but redirects users to an untrusted, potentially malicious website. The attack vector requires the victim to visit a specially crafted URL, which can be delivered via phishing emails or other social engineering methods. The vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize redirect URLs, enabling attackers to spoof the destination URL displayed to users. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability of the IBM Process Mining system, it can be leveraged to conduct phishing attacks that may lead to credential theft, session hijacking, or deployment of further malware. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.8 (medium severity), reflecting that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network with low attack complexity but requires some user interaction and privileges (PR:L) to exploit. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting user trust and security posture. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation relies on awareness and preventive controls at this time.

For European organizations using IBM Process Mining 2.0.1 or 2.0.1 IF001, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily through social engineering and phishing campaigns. Attackers can exploit the open redirect to craft URLs that appear legitimate, increasing the likelihood of successful phishing attacks targeting employees or partners. This can lead to credential compromise, unauthorized access to corporate resources, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given that IBM Process Mining is often used in process optimization and analytics, organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and consulting could face operational disruptions if attackers leverage stolen credentials or deploy malware post-phishing. The reputational damage from successful phishing campaigns exploiting this vulnerability could be substantial, especially for organizations with stringent data protection obligations under GDPR. Additionally, the changed scope of the vulnerability means that the impact could extend beyond the IBM Process Mining application, affecting integrated systems or user sessions. However, since the vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or confidentiality within IBM Process Mining itself, the primary impact vector is indirect through user deception and subsequent attacks.

Implement strict URL validation and sanitization on all redirect parameters within IBM Process Mining to ensure only trusted domains are allowed for redirection. Apply the latest IBM Process Mining updates or patches as soon as they become available; monitor IBM security advisories regularly for official fixes. Deploy email filtering solutions that detect and block phishing attempts leveraging open redirect URLs, including heuristic and reputation-based analysis. Educate employees and users about the risks of phishing attacks, emphasizing caution when clicking on links even if they appear to originate from trusted sources. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for access to IBM Process Mining and related corporate systems to reduce the impact of credential compromise. Implement web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns targeting IBM Process Mining URLs. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual redirect requests or spikes in user redirection events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Restrict the use of IBM Process Mining URL parameters that control redirection where possible, or disable open redirect functionality if not required.