CVE-2025-36271: IBM Integrated Analytics System Weak Crypto

CVE-2025-36271 Overview

CVE-2025-36271 affects IBM Integrated Analytics System versions 1.0.0.0 through 1.0.31.0. The product uses cryptographic algorithms weaker than expected for protecting sensitive data. An attacker with network access can leverage this weakness to decrypt highly sensitive information transmitted or stored by the system. The flaw is tracked under [CWE-759: Use of a One-Way Hash without a Salt] and related weak cryptography categories.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation exposes confidential analytics data by defeating the cryptographic controls intended to protect it.

Affected Products

IBM Integrated Analytics System 1.0.0.0
IBM Integrated Analytics System versions between 1.0.0.0 and 1.0.31.0
IBM Integrated Analytics System 1.0.31.0

Discovery Timeline

2026-08-28 - CVE-2025-36271 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-09-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-36271

Vulnerability Analysis

IBM Integrated Analytics System relies on cryptographic algorithms that no longer meet contemporary security expectations. Weak algorithms produce ciphertext that a resourced attacker can decrypt, reversing confidentiality guarantees. The advisory maps the issue to [CWE-759], which covers hashing or key derivation without sufficient entropy or salting. The result is that sensitive analytics data protected by the algorithm can be recovered by an adversary who obtains the ciphertext.

Root Cause

The root cause is the selection and continued use of cryptographic primitives that are known to be weaker than current standards. This includes hashing functions used without adequate randomization or symmetric algorithms with insufficient effective key strength. When such primitives protect sensitive data at rest or in transit, cryptanalysis or brute-force attacks become feasible. IBM's security advisory documents the affected components and remediation.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. However, exploitation requires high attack complexity, since the attacker must first obtain protected ciphertext and then perform cryptanalytic work to recover plaintext. The impact is limited to confidentiality; integrity and availability are not affected. Practical exploitation depends on the attacker's access to encrypted material and available compute resources.

No verified public exploit code is available. Refer to the IBM Support Page for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36271

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected access patterns to encrypted data stores or backup files within the IBM Integrated Analytics System environment.
Anomalous outbound transfers of large volumes of ciphertext or configuration data.
Presence of legacy cipher suites or hash algorithms in TLS handshakes or application logs.

Detection Strategies

Inventory cryptographic configurations across IBM Integrated Analytics System deployments and flag deprecated algorithms.
Monitor authentication and data-access logs for enumeration or bulk-export activity targeting protected fields.
Correlate network telemetry with application logs to identify offline capture of encrypted traffic.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose logging on IBM Integrated Analytics System components handling sensitive analytics data.
Alert on TLS negotiations that fall back to weak cipher suites or deprecated protocol versions.
Track privileged account activity that could stage or exfiltrate encrypted datasets.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36271

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all IBM Integrated Analytics System instances in the version range 1.0.0.0 through 1.0.31.0.
Apply the fix referenced in IBM's advisory as soon as maintenance windows permit.
Rotate any keys, credentials, or secrets that may have been protected by the weak algorithm.

Patch Information

IBM has published remediation guidance on the IBM Support Page. Administrators should follow the advisory to upgrade the affected components and validate that stronger cryptographic algorithms are enforced after the update.

Workarounds

Restrict network access to the Integrated Analytics System management and data interfaces using firewall rules and segmentation.
Enforce TLS 1.2 or later with modern cipher suites at the network perimeter fronting the system.
Re-encrypt sensitive data with approved algorithms once the patched version is deployed.

bash

# Configuration example
# Review supported cipher suites on the host fronting IBM Integrated Analytics System
openssl ciphers -v 'HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5:!RC4:!3DES:!SHA1' \
  | awk '{print $1, $2, $3}'