CVE-2025-36062 Overview
IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile (iOS) versions 1.1.0 through 1.1.22 contains an information exposure vulnerability due to the use of unencrypted network traffic. This mobile application vulnerability (CWE-311: Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data) allows attackers on the same network to intercept sensitive business intelligence data transmitted between the mobile application and backend Cognos Analytics servers.
Critical Impact
Sensitive business analytics data, including reports, dashboards, and potentially authentication credentials, may be exposed to network-based attackers through unencrypted communications.
Affected Products
- IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for iOS versions 1.1.0 through 1.1.22
- Mobile devices running the affected iOS application connected to untrusted networks
- Enterprise environments utilizing IBM Cognos Analytics with mobile access
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-21 - CVE-2025-36062 published to NVD
- 2025-08-07 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36062
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from the IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile iOS application transmitting data over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than enforcing HTTPS/TLS encryption. When users access Cognos Analytics dashboards, reports, or other business intelligence data through the mobile application, this sensitive information travels across the network in plaintext.
The lack of transport layer encryption creates a significant risk in enterprise environments where mobile users may connect through various networks, including public Wi-Fi hotspots, hotel networks, or other potentially compromised network infrastructure. An attacker positioned on the same network segment can passively capture this traffic using common network sniffing tools.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning for business intelligence platforms like Cognos Analytics, which often handle sensitive corporate data including financial reports, sales figures, customer information, and strategic business metrics.
Root Cause
The root cause is the failure to implement or enforce TLS/SSL encryption for network communications within the iOS mobile application. This represents a missing encryption of sensitive data issue (CWE-311), where the application transmits potentially confidential business analytics data without cryptographic protection.
The application lacks proper implementation of App Transport Security (ATS) requirements that Apple recommends for iOS applications, allowing connections to proceed over insecure HTTP channels.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker must be positioned on the same network as the victim to perform the attack. The exploitation scenario typically involves:
- Attacker connects to the same network as the target user (e.g., corporate Wi-Fi, public hotspot)
- Attacker initiates passive network traffic capture using tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump
- Victim launches IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile and accesses business intelligence content
- Attacker captures unencrypted HTTP traffic containing sensitive data
- Captured data is analyzed for business intelligence reports, session tokens, or credentials
This type of man-in-the-middle attack scenario is particularly effective in shared network environments where users may not be aware of the security implications.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36062
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual network traffic patterns showing HTTP (port 80) connections to Cognos Analytics servers instead of HTTPS (port 443)
- Network logs revealing plaintext data transmission from iOS devices to backend analytics infrastructure
- Detection of network sniffing tools or ARP spoofing activity on corporate networks
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic for unencrypted HTTP connections originating from mobile devices to Cognos Analytics backend servers
- Implement network-based intrusion detection rules to flag plaintext transmission of sensitive analytics data
- Review iOS device management logs for usage of vulnerable application versions (1.1.0 - 1.1.22)
- Deploy SSL/TLS inspection at network egress points to identify non-compliant application traffic
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable network flow logging to track HTTP vs HTTPS traffic ratios from mobile device segments
- Configure alerts for any HTTP traffic directed to Cognos Analytics infrastructure endpoints
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to track and report installed application versions
- Monitor for signs of passive network reconnaissance or man-in-the-middle attack preparations
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36062
Immediate Actions Required
- Update IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for iOS to a patched version beyond 1.1.22
- Instruct users to avoid accessing Cognos Analytics from untrusted or public networks until patched
- Implement VPN requirements for mobile users accessing corporate analytics resources
- Review network segmentation to isolate mobile device traffic where possible
Patch Information
IBM has released security guidance for this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the IBM Support Page for detailed patch information and upgrade instructions. It is recommended to update to the latest available version of IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for iOS that addresses this unencrypted communication issue.
Workarounds
- Enforce VPN connectivity for all mobile users before allowing access to Cognos Analytics resources
- Configure network firewalls to block HTTP (port 80) traffic to Cognos Analytics servers, forcing HTTPS connections
- Implement network access control policies requiring mobile devices to connect only through encrypted corporate networks
- Consider temporarily disabling mobile access to Cognos Analytics until the application can be updated
# Example: Block HTTP traffic to Cognos Analytics server at firewall level
# This forces mobile apps to use HTTPS or fail safely
iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -d cognos-analytics-server.example.com -j DROP
iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -d cognos-analytics-server.example.com -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
