CVE-2025-25021 Overview
IBM disclosed CVE-2025-25021, a code execution vulnerability affecting IBM QRadar Suite Software versions 1.10.12.0 through 1.11.2.0 and IBM Cloud Pak for Security versions 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0. The flaw resides in the case management script creation feature and stems from improper generation of code [CWE-94]. A privileged authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary code on the affected system by abusing script creation workflows. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Critical Impact
A privileged user can execute arbitrary code through the case management script creation feature, compromising the integrity of QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security deployments.
Affected Products
- IBM QRadar Suite Software 1.10.12.0 through 1.11.2.0
- IBM Cloud Pak for Security 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0
- Case management script creation component
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-03 - CVE-2025-25021 published to NVD
- 2025-08-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-25021
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as Improper Control of Generation of Code, commonly referred to as Code Injection [CWE-94]. The case management subsystem in IBM QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security permits user-controlled input to influence dynamically generated code during script creation. Because the generation process does not adequately neutralize code-bearing input, attacker-supplied content is interpreted as executable logic. The result is arbitrary code execution within the context of the case management service.
Exploitation requires high privileges and no user interaction, and it can be triggered remotely over the network. Successful execution provides high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This positions the issue as an insider or post-compromise escalation primitive rather than an unauthenticated remote takeover.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of directives in dynamically generated code within the case management script creation workflow. The component constructs scripts from input fields without enforcing strict syntactic boundaries or sanitization. Inputs intended as data are interpreted as code at execution time.
Attack Vector
An authenticated user with privileged access to case management creates or modifies a script and embeds malicious payloads in fields that feed the code generator. When the platform compiles or evaluates the generated script, the injected logic runs with the privileges of the script execution context. No social engineering or victim interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available for CVE-2025-25021. Refer to the IBM Support advisory for vendor-specific technical guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-25021
Indicators of Compromise
- Creation or modification of case management scripts by accounts that do not normally author automation.
- Script execution logs containing unexpected system commands, shell invocations, or network callbacks.
- New outbound connections originating from QRadar Suite or Cloud Pak for Security service pods following script edits.
Detection Strategies
- Audit case management script create, update, and execute events and correlate against an approved author allowlist.
- Baseline normal script content patterns and alert on anomalies such as embedded shell metacharacters or runtime evaluation primitives.
- Monitor process execution within QRadar and Cloud Pak for Security containers for unexpected child processes spawned by case management workers.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward QRadar Suite audit logs and Kubernetes pod logs to a centralized analytics platform for retention and correlation.
- Enable change tracking on case management playbooks and require ticket references for script modifications.
- Review privileged account activity weekly with focus on automation and scripting roles.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-25021
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the IBM security update referenced in the IBM Support advisory for QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security.
- Inventory accounts with case management script authoring privileges and remove unnecessary access.
- Review recent case management script changes for unauthorized modifications prior to patching.
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance for CVE-2025-25021 on the official support portal. Administrators should consult the IBM Support page for the fixed version, upgrade path, and any prerequisite components for QRadar Suite Software 1.10.12.0 through 1.11.2.0 and Cloud Pak for Security 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to case management script creation to a minimal set of trusted administrators until patches are deployed.
- Enforce four-eyes review for any new or modified case management script.
- Segment QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security management interfaces from general user networks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
