CVE-2025-64650 identifies a vulnerability classified under CWE-532, which concerns the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Specifically, IBM Storage Defender - Resiliency Service versions 2.0.0 through 2.0.18 improperly log sensitive user credentials in plaintext. This logging behavior can lead to unintended disclosure of credentials if log files are accessed by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have network access and low privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. The CVSS v3.1 score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity, primarily due to the high confidentiality impact (C:H) but no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, but the exposure of credentials in logs can facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement or privilege escalation if logs are improperly secured. The absence of patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate compensating controls. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of sensitive data within the software’s logging mechanism, which is a common security oversight that can lead to significant breaches if exploited. Organizations using IBM Storage Defender in affected versions should review their logging policies and access controls to prevent unauthorized log access.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive credentials in log files can lead to unauthorized access to critical storage infrastructure, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within networks or escalate privileges. This risk is particularly acute for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. The confidentiality breach could result in data exfiltration or disruption of storage resiliency services, indirectly affecting business continuity. Since IBM Storage Defender is used in enterprise storage environments, the impact extends to data integrity and availability if attackers leverage exposed credentials to manipulate storage configurations or disable resiliency features. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not immediately catastrophic, it poses a significant risk if combined with other attack vectors. European organizations must consider the regulatory implications under GDPR for any data breaches resulting from credential exposure. Additionally, the lack of known exploits does not preclude future attacks, making proactive mitigation critical.

1. Immediately restrict access to log files containing sensitive information by enforcing strict file permissions and access controls, limiting exposure to only trusted administrators. 2. Implement centralized and secure log management solutions that encrypt logs at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access. 3. Conduct thorough audits of existing logs to identify and purge any sensitive credentials that may have been recorded. 4. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to retrieve log files, indicating potential reconnaissance or exploitation attempts. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available to eliminate the root cause of sensitive data logging. 6. Configure IBM Storage Defender to minimize logging of sensitive information where possible, or enable redaction features if supported. 7. Educate system administrators and security teams about the risks of credential exposure in logs and enforce best practices for credential management and rotation. 8. Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to reduce the impact of compromised credentials. 9. Integrate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative access to storage systems to mitigate risks from credential disclosure. 10. Establish incident response procedures specifically addressing credential exposure incidents to enable rapid containment and remediation.