CVE-2024-55895 Overview
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 returns detailed technical error messages to the browser under certain conditions. A remote unauthenticated attacker can trigger these errors to obtain sensitive information about the application, its configuration, or the underlying infrastructure. The exposed data can be used to plan follow-on attacks against the system.
The weakness is categorized under CWE-209: Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information. While the direct impact is limited to confidentiality, verbose errors frequently reveal stack traces, internal file paths, database identifiers, or software versions that reduce the effort required for subsequent exploitation.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can harvest sensitive technical information from error responses without user interaction, enabling reconnaissance for later attacks.
Affected Products
- IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7
- IBM AIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows deployments of InfoSphere Information Server
- Web-facing InfoSphere Information Server components that render technical error pages
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-29 - CVE-2024-55895 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-55895
Vulnerability Analysis
The issue is an information disclosure flaw in the web layer of IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7. When the application encounters an unhandled condition, it returns a detailed technical error message directly to the browser. These messages can include stack traces, class names, internal paths, or configuration hints that should not be exposed to unauthenticated users.
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction. It affects confidentiality only; integrity and availability are not directly impacted. Attackers typically pair this class of flaw with reconnaissance workflows that fingerprint application internals before attempting more damaging exploitation.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper error handling. Application exceptions are propagated to the HTTP response layer without sanitization, and verbose diagnostic content intended for developers is returned to the client. This aligns with CWE-209, where sensitive information is embedded in error output.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends malformed, unexpected, or malicious inputs to InfoSphere Information Server web endpoints to trigger server-side exceptions. The response body contains technical details about the failure. The attacker collects these fragments to map internal components, library versions, and file system layout, then uses that context to craft further attacks such as injection, deserialization, or authentication bypass attempts.
No public proof-of-concept exploit, ExploitDB entry, or CISA KEV listing is currently associated with CVE-2024-55895. Refer to the IBM Support advisory for vendor-provided technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-55895
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP responses from InfoSphere Information Server containing Java stack traces, exception class names, or internal file paths
- Repeated requests from a single source that generate HTTP 500 or similar error responses across multiple endpoints
- Requests containing malformed parameters, unexpected content types, or invalid session tokens designed to force exceptions
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and application logs for bursts of server-side errors correlated with external IP addresses
- Deploy web application firewall rules that detect stack trace patterns (for example, java.lang., at com.ibm.) in outbound responses
- Baseline normal error rates for InfoSphere endpoints and alert on statistically significant deviations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward InfoSphere Information Server access and error logs to a centralized SIEM or data lake for correlation
- Monitor perimeter and reverse-proxy telemetry for scanning behavior targeting InfoSphere URL paths
- Track outbound HTTP response body size anomalies on error responses, which can indicate verbose disclosures
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-55895
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix documented in the IBM Support advisory for node 7185450
- Inventory all IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 deployments across AIX, Linux, and Windows hosts
- Restrict administrative and web interfaces to trusted network segments until patching is complete
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance for CVE-2024-55895 on its support portal. Consult the IBM Support Page on Node 7185450 for the specific fix pack, iFix, or configuration change applicable to your InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 deployment. Validate the fix in a staging environment before production rollout.
Workarounds
- Configure the application server to return generic error pages and suppress stack traces in HTTP responses
- Enable custom error handling and disable debug or development modes on production instances
- Place InfoSphere Information Server behind a reverse proxy or WAF that strips or rewrites verbose error content
# Configuration example
# Refer to IBM's advisory for authoritative remediation steps.
# Vendor guidance: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7185450
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
