CVE-2025-36336 Overview
CVE-2025-36336 affects IBM watsonx.data intelligence versions 5.2.0, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.3.0. The product transmits data in clear text, exposing sensitive information to network-based interception. An attacker positioned between the client and server can capture credentials, queries, or business data using man-in-the-middle (MITM) techniques. The weakness is classified under CWE-319: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information. IBM published advisory details in the IBM Support Document.
Critical Impact
Network-adjacent attackers can intercept sensitive watsonx.data intelligence traffic to obtain confidential information without authentication.
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-2025-36336 published to NVD
- 2026-07-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-36336
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw stems from IBM watsonx.data intelligence transmitting sensitive data over network channels without enforced encryption. When traffic traverses untrusted network segments, an attacker with a network foothold can passively capture that data. The confidentiality impact is high, while integrity and availability remain unaffected. Exploitation requires attacker positioning on a network path between endpoints, which raises attack complexity. The vulnerability affects the platform's data transmission layer rather than a specific parsing or execution component.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or improperly enforced transport encryption within watsonx.data intelligence communication paths. Sensitive payloads, such as authentication material and analytic queries, are placed on the wire without confidentiality protection. This maps directly to CWE-319: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information.
Attack Vector
An attacker performs a man-in-the-middle attack on the network path between watsonx.data intelligence clients and services. Techniques include ARP spoofing on local segments, rogue Wi-Fi access points, DNS poisoning, or compromised upstream routing. Once positioned, the attacker captures cleartext traffic using standard packet inspection tooling. No authentication or user interaction on the target is required, but successful interception depends on network positioning.
No verified exploit code is available for CVE-2025-36336. Refer to the IBM Support Document for vendor-provided technical guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36336
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected plaintext HTTP or non-TLS traffic originating from watsonx.data intelligence hosts on ports typically reserved for encrypted communication.
- ARP table anomalies, duplicate MAC-to-IP bindings, or unexpected gateway changes on subnets hosting watsonx.data intelligence components.
- Unauthorized packet capture processes such as tcpdump, tshark, or ettercap running on adjacent systems.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect network flow records for watsonx.data intelligence services communicating over unencrypted ports or without TLS handshake indicators.
- Deploy network intrusion detection signatures that flag cleartext credentials or sensitive field patterns leaving watsonx hosts.
- Correlate authentication events with source IP anomalies to identify session replay or credential reuse from unexpected origins.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable full packet capture at watsonx.data intelligence network boundaries and alert on plaintext protocol usage.
- Monitor certificate and TLS handshake telemetry to confirm encrypted transport is negotiated for every session.
- Baseline normal client-to-service communication patterns and alert on deviations in protocol, port, or destination.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36336
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed release identified in the IBM Support Document for CVE-2025-36336.
- Inventory all watsonx.data intelligence deployments and confirm versions 5.2.0 through 5.3.0 are prioritized for remediation.
- Rotate credentials, API tokens, and secrets that may have transited affected instances before patching.
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance for affected watsonx.data intelligence releases. Administrators should consult the IBM Support Document for the specific fixed version and upgrade instructions applicable to their deployment.
Workarounds
- Restrict watsonx.data intelligence traffic to trusted, segmented networks with no untrusted intermediaries until patched.
- Enforce network-layer encryption using an IPsec tunnel or mutual TLS proxy in front of affected services.
- Disable or block cleartext communication channels at the firewall and require VPN access for administrative and client sessions.
# Configuration example: enforce TLS at a reverse proxy fronting watsonx.data intelligence
# Reject non-TLS listeners and require TLS 1.2+ for upstream connections
ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
ssl_ciphers HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5;
listen 443 ssl;
return 301 https://$host$request_uri; # redirect any plaintext access
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
