CVE-2025-13491 Overview
IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container up to 12.19.0 (Continuous Delivery) and 12.0 LTS (Long Term Support) contains an untrusted search path vulnerability that could allow an attacker to access sensitive files or modify configurations. This vulnerability, classified as CWE-426 (Untrusted Search Path), arises when the application loads executable files or libraries from directories that may be controlled by an attacker.
Critical Impact
Attackers with local access could exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files or inject malicious code by manipulating the search path, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or configuration tampering.
Affected Products
- IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container up to 12.19.0 (Continuous Delivery)
- IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container 12.0 LTS (Long Term Support)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-05 - CVE CVE-2025-13491 published to NVD
- 2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13491
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper handling of search paths within IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container. When the application searches for executable files, libraries, or configuration files, it may traverse directories in a predictable order without properly validating whether those directories are trusted. An attacker who can place malicious files in a directory that appears earlier in the search path than the intended legitimate file location can hijack the loading process.
The local attack vector indicates that exploitation requires the attacker to have some level of access to the host system or container environment. Once access is obtained, the attacker can manipulate the file system to place malicious payloads in locations where the application will inadvertently load them.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-13491 is an untrusted search path vulnerability (CWE-426). This occurs when the application uses a search path algorithm to locate resources without adequately verifying that the directories in the path are under the application's control. In containerized environments, this can be particularly problematic if volume mounts or shared directories are included in the search path, allowing cross-container or host-based attacks.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning the attacker must have access to the system where IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container is running. The exploitation scenario involves:
- Gaining local access to the container environment or underlying host
- Identifying directories in the application's search path that are writable
- Placing malicious files (executables, libraries, or configuration files) in these directories
- Waiting for or triggering the application to load the malicious files
The vulnerability allows both confidentiality and integrity impacts—attackers can read sensitive files and modify configurations, though the availability of the system is not directly affected.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13491
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected files appearing in application search path directories
- Unusual file access patterns or permission changes in container volumes
- Modification timestamps on configuration files that don't align with administrative actions
- New or modified shared libraries in non-standard locations within the container
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file system activities within IBM App Connect Enterprise containers for unauthorized file creation or modification
- Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on critical application directories
- Review container security policies to identify overly permissive volume mounts
- Audit container images for unexpected changes to search path configurations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed audit logging for file system operations in the container environment
- Configure alerts for any modifications to application configuration directories
- Implement runtime container security monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns
- Regularly scan container images and running containers for unauthorized file changes
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13491
Immediate Actions Required
- Review and apply the security update from IBM as detailed in the IBM Support Page
- Audit current container deployments to identify instances running vulnerable versions
- Review container volume mounts and file permissions to restrict write access to search path directories
- Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement potential if exploitation occurs
Patch Information
IBM has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations running affected versions of IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container should update to patched versions as soon as possible. Detailed patch information and upgrade instructions are available through the IBM Support Page.
Affected versions include:
- IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container up to 12.19.0 (Continuous Delivery)
- IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container 12.0 LTS (Long Term Support)
Workarounds
- Restrict write permissions on directories included in the application's search path
- Configure container security contexts to run with minimal privileges and read-only file systems where possible
- Implement Pod Security Policies or Pod Security Standards to restrict container capabilities
- Use immutable container images and prevent runtime modifications to the file system
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
