CVE-2025-36327 Overview
CVE-2025-36327 affects IBM watsonx.data intelligence versions 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.3.0. The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to bypass security controls and perform unauthorized actions. The root cause is client-side enforcement of server-side security [CWE-602].
The flaw resides in how the application enforces security decisions on the client rather than the server. An authenticated attacker can manipulate client-side logic to circumvent restrictions and modify protected data or trigger privileged actions. IBM has published guidance in the IBM Support Page.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can bypass access controls in IBM watsonx.data intelligence and perform unauthorized actions that compromise data integrity.
Affected Products
- IBM watsonx.data intelligence 5.2.0
- IBM watsonx.data intelligence 5.2.1
- IBM watsonx.data intelligence 5.2.2
- IBM watsonx.data intelligence 5.3.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-30 - CVE-2025-36327 published to NVD
- 2026-07-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36327
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-36327 is a broken access control issue classified under [CWE-602]: Client-Side Enforcement of Server-Side Security. IBM watsonx.data intelligence relies on client-side code to enforce restrictions that must be validated on the server. An authenticated user with low privileges can intercept, modify, or replay requests to bypass these restrictions.
The integrity impact is significant because attackers can perform actions the server should have blocked. Confidentiality and availability are not directly affected according to the CVSS vector. The attack requires network access and valid credentials but no user interaction.
Root Cause
The application enforces authorization and validation logic in the browser or client tier instead of on the server. When a request reaches the backend, the server trusts the client to have performed the required checks. Attackers who bypass the client-side layer, using intercepting proxies or crafted API calls, can send requests that the server accepts without re-verification.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends direct requests to the watsonx.data intelligence API endpoints. By omitting or altering parameters normally set by the client, the attacker triggers operations that the user interface would otherwise prevent. Exploitation does not require elevated privileges beyond a standard authenticated session. No public proof-of-concept or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported.
Refer to the IBM Support Page for detailed technical information from the vendor.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36327
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected API calls to watsonx.data intelligence endpoints that skip normal UI-driven request flows.
- Authenticated sessions performing actions inconsistent with the user's assigned role or workflow patterns.
- HTTP requests missing headers or parameters typically supplied by the official client.
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose audit logging on watsonx.data intelligence and forward events to a centralized SIEM for correlation.
- Compare server-side authorization decisions against user role assignments to identify unauthorized actions that succeeded.
- Baseline normal API usage per user role and alert on deviations such as bulk modifications from low-privilege accounts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor for direct API interactions that bypass the web console, especially from tools like curl, Postman, or scripted clients.
- Track modification events on sensitive datasets and pipelines within watsonx.data intelligence.
- Alert on repeated 4xx responses followed by successful requests from the same session, indicating enumeration or parameter tampering.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36327
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced on the IBM Support Page as soon as available for versions 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.3.0.
- Review audit logs since deployment for signs of unauthorized actions performed by authenticated users.
- Enforce least-privilege access and remove unnecessary accounts from watsonx.data intelligence.
Patch Information
IBM has released remediation guidance through the IBM Support Page. Administrators should consult the advisory for the specific fix pack or version upgrade path applicable to their deployment.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the watsonx.data intelligence management interface using firewall rules or a reverse proxy with strict allow-lists.
- Require multi-factor authentication for all users to reduce the risk of credential-based access by unauthorized parties.
- Enable strict server-side authorization checks and API gateway policies to validate every request independently of client behavior.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
