CVE-2025-13379 Overview
IBM Aspera Console 3.4.0 through 3.4.8 is vulnerable to SQL injection. A remote attacker could send specially crafted SQL statements, which could allow the attacker to view, add, modify, or delete information in the back-end database. This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) enables unauthenticated network-based attacks against vulnerable IBM Aspera Console deployments.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to read sensitive data, modify database contents, or delete critical information from the back-end database without authentication.
Affected Products
- IBM Aspera Console 3.4.0
- IBM Aspera Console 3.4.1 through 3.4.7
- IBM Aspera Console 3.4.8
Discovery Timeline
- February 5, 2026 - CVE-2025-13379 published to NVD
- February 5, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13379
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as SQL Injection (CWE-89), which occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. In the case of IBM Aspera Console, the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize input parameters before constructing database queries.
The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to read confidential data stored in the database, insert malicious records, modify existing data, or delete critical information entirely. This poses significant risks to data confidentiality and integrity for organizations using affected versions of IBM Aspera Console.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in IBM Aspera Console's query handling mechanism. The application constructs SQL queries using user-controlled input without adequate parameterization or input sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query logic, bypassing application-level access controls and directly interacting with the underlying database.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit this vulnerability without authentication. An attacker can craft specially formatted HTTP requests containing malicious SQL statements. When the vulnerable application processes these requests and incorporates the unsanitized input into database queries, the injected SQL code executes with the privileges of the database user configured for the application.
Typical attack scenarios include:
- Extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, configuration data, or business-critical information using UNION-based or blind SQL injection techniques
- Modifying application data to escalate privileges or manipulate business logic
- Deleting records to cause data loss or disrupt operations
- Potentially executing system commands if the database is configured with extended stored procedures
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13379
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database query patterns containing SQL keywords like UNION, SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or comment sequences (--, /**/) in web application logs
- Error messages in application logs indicating SQL syntax errors or database exceptions
- Unexpected database modifications, new user accounts, or deleted records without corresponding legitimate administrative actions
- Web server logs showing requests with encoded characters or SQL-specific syntax in query parameters
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules to identify and block malicious payloads targeting IBM Aspera Console
- Implement database activity monitoring to detect anomalous queries that deviate from normal application behavior patterns
- Enable detailed application and database logging to capture query execution details for forensic analysis
- Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor IBM Aspera Console application logs for requests containing SQL metacharacters and keywords
- Establish baseline database activity metrics and alert on deviations such as unusual query volumes or access to sensitive tables
- Implement real-time alerting for database errors that may indicate injection attempts
- Review access logs for repeated requests from the same source attempting parameter manipulation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13379
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch from IBM as soon as it becomes available by consulting the IBM Support Documentation
- Restrict network access to IBM Aspera Console administrative interfaces using firewall rules and network segmentation
- Implement web application firewall rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts
- Conduct a thorough review of database logs to identify any potential exploitation that may have already occurred
Patch Information
IBM has published security information regarding this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the official IBM Support Documentation for detailed patch and remediation guidance. Upgrade to a patched version of IBM Aspera Console as specified in the IBM security bulletin.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) in front of IBM Aspera Console to filter malicious SQL injection payloads
- Restrict network access to the IBM Aspera Console to trusted IP addresses and internal networks only
- Implement additional authentication mechanisms such as VPN requirements for accessing the console
- Disable or limit database user privileges used by the application to minimize the impact of successful exploitation
# Example: Restrict access to IBM Aspera Console using iptables
# Allow only trusted management network
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.0.100.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
