CVE-2025-48709 is a vulnerability identified in BMC Control-M/Server version 9.0.21.300 involving the improper handling of sensitive information, specifically database credentials, which are exposed in cleartext within process command lines and event logs. The vulnerability stems from the frequent execution of 'DBUStatus.exe' on Windows systems, which invokes the script 'dbu_connection_details.vbs' passing the database username, password, hostname, and port as command-line arguments. Because these arguments are visible in process listings and event logs, any authenticated user with shell access can retrieve these credentials without needing elevated privileges or user interaction. This exposure violates secure coding practices related to credential management and logging (CWE-532: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File, CWE-214: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information). Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the backend database server, potentially leading to data compromise or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability has a CVSS v4.0 base score of 4.8 (medium severity), reflecting its limited attack vector (local access required) but significant confidentiality impact. The vendor has addressed this issue in Control-M/Server version 9.0.21.307. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized database access if an attacker gains authenticated shell access to the affected Control-M/Server. Given that Control-M is widely used in enterprise IT environments for workload automation, exposure of database credentials could lead to data breaches, disruption of critical business processes, and compliance violations under GDPR due to unauthorized access to personal or sensitive data. The impact is particularly significant in sectors with high regulatory scrutiny such as finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, attackers leveraging this vulnerability could move laterally within the network, escalating the scope of compromise. The medium CVSS score reflects that exploitation requires local authenticated access, which limits remote attack potential but does not eliminate insider threats or compromised credentials scenarios. Organizations relying heavily on Control-M for job scheduling and database interactions should consider this vulnerability a priority to address to maintain operational security and data integrity.

1. Upgrade BMC Control-M/Server to version 9.0.21.307 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Restrict shell access on Control-M/Server hosts strictly to trusted administrators and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. 3. Implement strict access controls and auditing on systems running Control-M to detect suspicious activity related to process listing or log access. 4. Avoid storing or passing sensitive credentials in command-line arguments or scripts; use secure credential vaults or environment variables with restricted access. 5. Regularly review and sanitize logs and process listings to ensure no sensitive information is exposed. 6. Employ network segmentation to limit access to Control-M servers and associated databases. 7. Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing focusing on credential exposure and privilege escalation paths. 8. Educate administrators about the risks of credential exposure in logs and process arguments and enforce secure operational procedures.