The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48709 affects BMC Control-M version 9.0.21.300. Control-M Server, when connected to a database, frequently executes a process named DBUStatus.exe. This executable calls a VBScript file, dbu_connection_details.vbs, passing sensitive database connection details including username, password, hostname, and port in cleartext. These credentials are then recorded in two separate locations within event and process logs. Because these logs are often accessible to system administrators and potentially other users with local access, the exposure of plaintext credentials creates a risk of credential compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-532, which relates to information exposure through log files. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.8, indicating a low severity primarily because exploitation requires local privileges (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C) because the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, but the impact is limited to confidentiality (C:L) with no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability highlights poor handling of sensitive information in logs, which can be leveraged by an attacker who already has some level of access to escalate privileges or move laterally within an environment.

For European organizations, the exposure of database credentials in logs can lead to unauthorized database access if an attacker gains access to the system logs. This can compromise sensitive business data, disrupt operations, or enable further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on Control-M for job scheduling and database management—such as finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure—face increased risk. The impact is mitigated somewhat by the requirement for local privileges to access the logs, but insider threats or attackers who have already compromised a system could exploit this vulnerability to deepen their foothold. Additionally, the exposure of credentials in logs may conflict with European data protection regulations like GDPR if personal or sensitive data is involved, potentially leading to compliance issues and fines.

1. Restrict access to event and process logs to only trusted administrators and monitor access logs for unusual activity. 2. Implement strict file system permissions on log directories and files to prevent unauthorized reading. 3. Use encryption or secure vaults for storing sensitive credentials rather than passing them in plaintext to scripts or processes. 4. Monitor for any suspicious use of DBUStatus.exe or dbu_connection_details.vbs executions. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 6. Consider deploying host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to alert on unauthorized access to logs or execution of related processes. 7. Conduct regular audits of log files to detect any credential exposure or misuse. 8. Educate system administrators on the risks of credential exposure in logs and enforce the principle of least privilege for all users.