CVE-2025-25048 Overview
CVE-2025-25048 is a path traversal vulnerability in IBM Jazz Foundation affecting versions 7.0.2 through 7.0.2 iFix033, 7.0.3 through 7.0.3 iFix012, and 7.1.0 through 7.1.0 iFix002. An authenticated user can upload files to restricted directories on the server due to improper neutralization of directory traversal sequences in file paths. The flaw is classified under [CWE-23] Relative Path Traversal. Successful exploitation allows attackers to write files outside the intended upload directory, potentially overwriting configuration files or planting content that impacts application integrity.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can upload files to unintended locations within the Jazz Foundation server, compromising the integrity of the application and its underlying files.
Affected Products
- IBM Jazz Foundation 7.0.2 through 7.0.2 iFix033
- IBM Jazz Foundation 7.0.3 through 7.0.3 iFix012
- IBM Jazz Foundation 7.1.0 through 7.1.0 iFix002
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-25048 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-25048
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the file upload handling logic within IBM Jazz Foundation. The application accepts filename or path input from authenticated users but fails to properly neutralize sequences such as ../ that resolve outside the intended target directory. This weakness aligns with [CWE-23] Relative Path Traversal.
An authenticated user can craft a request that supplies a manipulated file path during upload. The server then writes the uploaded content to a location determined by the traversal sequences rather than the sanctioned upload directory. This allows an attacker to place arbitrary files where they should not be permitted.
The attack requires user interaction and can be executed over the network with low complexity. While the vulnerability does not disclose data or crash the service, it directly impacts integrity by permitting unauthorized file placement.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input sanitization of file path components submitted through the upload interface. The application does not canonicalize path input or reject traversal sequences before writing files to disk.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends a crafted upload request containing directory traversal sequences in the target filename or path parameter. The Jazz Foundation server resolves these sequences and writes the uploaded content to a location outside the intended upload directory. No specific exploitation code has been published for this issue, and no proof-of-concept has been disclosed publicly. See the IBM Support Page for advisory details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-25048
Indicators of Compromise
- Files appearing in Jazz Foundation directories outside expected upload paths, particularly configuration or web-accessible locations.
- HTTP requests to Jazz Foundation upload endpoints containing ../, ..\, or URL-encoded equivalents such as %2e%2e%2f in filename parameters.
- Unexpected file modifications timestamps within Jazz Foundation installation directories following authenticated user sessions.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and application logs for upload requests containing traversal sequences in path or filename fields.
- Implement file integrity monitoring on Jazz Foundation installation directories to alert on writes outside sanctioned upload paths.
- Correlate authenticated user sessions with file system changes to identify anomalous write patterns.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on Jazz Foundation upload endpoints and forward logs to a central analytics platform for pattern analysis.
- Alert on any file created in non-upload directories by the Jazz Foundation service account.
- Review authentication logs alongside upload activity to identify accounts uploading unusually high file volumes or files with suspicious paths.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-25048
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the IBM-supplied iFix for the running Jazz Foundation version as documented in the IBM Support Page.
- Audit all Jazz Foundation user accounts and remove or restrict accounts that do not require upload permissions.
- Review recent upload activity for evidence of traversal attempts or files placed in non-standard directories.
Patch Information
IBM has released fixes for affected versions. Refer to the IBM Support Page for the specific iFix beyond 7.0.2 iFix033, 7.0.3 iFix012, and 7.1.0 iFix002 that resolves the vulnerability.
Workarounds
- Restrict upload functionality to trusted user roles until patching is complete.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule to block requests containing ../ or encoded traversal sequences in upload parameters.
- Enforce file system permissions that prevent the Jazz Foundation service account from writing outside designated upload directories.
# Configuration example
# Example WAF rule pattern to block path traversal in upload parameters
# Block requests where filename contains traversal sequences
SecRule ARGS_NAMES "@rx (filename|path|file)" \
"chain,deny,status:403,msg:'Path traversal attempt in upload'"
SecRule ARGS "@rx (\.\./|\.\.\\|%2e%2e%2f|%2e%2e/)" \
"t:none,t:urlDecodeUni"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
