CVE-2025-14811: IBM Sterling PEM Info Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2025-14811 Overview

CVE-2025-14811 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager. The vulnerability allows an attacker to obtain sensitive information from the query string of an HTTP GET method used to process requests. This sensitive data could be intercepted using man-in-the-middle techniques, potentially exposing confidential business information transmitted through the application.

Critical Impact

Sensitive information transmitted via HTTP GET query strings may be exposed to attackers through man-in-the-middle attacks, potentially compromising confidential business data in enterprise partner management environments.

Affected Products

• IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager 6.2.3.0 through 6.2.3.5
• IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager 6.2.4.0 through 6.2.4.2

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-13 - CVE-2025-14811 published to NVD
• 2026-03-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14811

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-598 (Use of GET Request Method With Sensitive Query Strings). The core issue lies in how IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager handles sensitive data transmission. Rather than using secure methods such as POST requests with encrypted payloads, the application transmits sensitive information via HTTP GET request query strings.

Query string parameters in GET requests are inherently insecure as they can be logged in browser history, server logs, proxy logs, and are visible in the URL bar. When combined with inadequate transport layer security or network interception capabilities, this design flaw enables attackers positioned in the network path to capture sensitive information.

The vulnerability requires network access and some level of authentication, with the attack complexity being high due to the need for man-in-the-middle positioning. The impact is limited to confidentiality exposure of low-sensitivity information.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from improper use of the HTTP GET method for transmitting sensitive data. According to secure development best practices, sensitive information should never be included in URL query strings. The application fails to implement proper data handling mechanisms that would ensure confidential parameters are transmitted via secure methods like POST requests with appropriate encryption.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to establish a man-in-the-middle position between the victim and the IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager server. Once positioned, the attacker can intercept HTTP requests and extract sensitive information from the query string parameters.

An attacker would need to:

1. Position themselves in the network path (through ARP spoofing, DNS hijacking, rogue WiFi access points, or compromised network infrastructure)
2. Monitor HTTP traffic destined for the vulnerable IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager instance
3. Parse intercepted GET requests to extract sensitive query string parameters
4. Utilize the captured information for further attacks or unauthorized access

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14811

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual network traffic patterns indicating man-in-the-middle activity such as ARP anomalies or unexpected SSL certificate changes
• Unexpected access to sensitive resources from unusual IP addresses or geographic locations
• Log entries showing GET requests with sensitive parameters being accessed from suspicious sources

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for signs of ARP spoofing or DNS cache poisoning attacks
• Implement SSL/TLS inspection to detect certificate manipulation attempts
• Review application and web server logs for GET requests containing sensitive parameter names
• Deploy network intrusion detection systems (IDS) with rules to detect MITM attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging of all HTTP requests to IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager
• Implement network segmentation and monitor inter-segment traffic for anomalies
• Use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to correlate suspicious network events with application access patterns
• Regularly audit SSL/TLS certificate validity and configuration

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14811

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest security patches from IBM for Sterling Partner Engagement Manager
• Enforce HTTPS/TLS for all communications with the application
• Implement network security controls to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
• Review and update firewall rules to restrict unnecessary network access

Patch Information

IBM has released a security update addressing this vulnerability. Refer to the IBM Support Document for detailed patch instructions and download links. Organizations running affected versions (6.2.3.0 through 6.2.3.5 and 6.2.4.0 through 6.2.4.2) should apply the update as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Deploy the application behind a properly configured reverse proxy that enforces HTTPS
• Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) headers to prevent protocol downgrade attacks
• Use network segmentation to isolate Sterling Partner Engagement Manager from untrusted network segments
• Consider implementing mutual TLS (mTLS) for additional authentication between clients and servers

# Example: Enable HSTS header in web server configuration (Apache)
Header always set Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains; preload"