CVE-2025-36274 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM Aspera HTTP Gateway versions 2.0.0 through 2.3.1. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-319, which involves the cleartext transmission or storage of sensitive information. Specifically, this flaw allows sensitive data to be stored in clear text within files that are accessible without authentication. This means that an unauthenticated attacker can read these files and obtain sensitive information, potentially including credentials or configuration details. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction or privileges, and it can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N). The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and the vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. The scope is unchanged (S:U), indicating the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component. IBM Aspera HTTP Gateway is used for high-speed file transfer and data movement, often in enterprise environments where sensitive data is handled. The exposure of sensitive information in clear text can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and further compromise if attackers leverage the obtained information to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, but the presence of cleartext sensitive data accessible without authentication presents a significant risk if left unpatched.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on IBM Aspera HTTP Gateway for secure data transfers. Exposure of sensitive information could lead to breaches of personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Confidential business information could be leaked, undermining competitive advantage and trust. Since the vulnerability allows unauthenticated access to sensitive files, attackers could gain footholds in corporate networks or exfiltrate critical data without detection. This risk is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and media, where IBM Aspera solutions are commonly deployed. Additionally, the potential for cascading effects exists if attackers use the exposed information to compromise other systems. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the vulnerability's ease of exploitation and high confidentiality impact make timely remediation critical.

Organizations should immediately identify all instances of IBM Aspera HTTP Gateway versions 2.0.0 through 2.3.1 in their environments. Since no official patches are currently linked, it is advisable to contact IBM support for guidance or apply any interim security configurations that restrict file access permissions to authenticated and authorized users only. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit exposure of the HTTP Gateway to trusted networks and users. Monitoring and logging access to the gateway’s file system should be enhanced to detect unauthorized read attempts. Employ encryption at rest and in transit where possible to reduce the risk of sensitive data exposure. Additionally, organizations should review and rotate any credentials or secrets that may have been stored in clear text. Implementing strict access controls and conducting regular security audits of file permissions and configurations will help prevent exploitation. Finally, stay alert for IBM’s official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly upon release.