CVE-2025-36440: IBM Concert Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2025-36440 Overview

CVE-2025-36440 is a missing function level access control vulnerability affecting IBM Concert versions 1.0.0 through 2.2.0. This security flaw could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information due to inadequate access control mechanisms at the function level. The vulnerability is classified as an information disclosure issue stemming from insufficiently protected credentials (CWE-522).

Critical Impact

Local attackers with low privileges can exploit missing access controls to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially exposing credentials or confidential configuration data within IBM Concert environments.

Affected Products

• IBM Concert 1.0.0
• IBM Concert versions through 2.2.0
• All IBM Concert installations within the affected version range

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-25 - CVE-2025-36440 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-36440

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to missing function level access control within IBM Concert's architecture. When access control checks are not properly implemented at the function level, local users can invoke functions or access resources that should be restricted based on their privilege level. The vulnerability has a local attack vector, meaning an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit it.

The weakness classification CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials) indicates that the vulnerability specifically relates to how credentials or sensitive authentication data are handled and protected within the application. When combined with missing function level access control, this creates a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-36440 is the absence of proper access control validation at the function level within IBM Concert. The application fails to verify whether a user has the appropriate authorization before allowing access to certain functions or data. This architectural flaw allows users with local access and low privileges to bypass intended restrictions and retrieve sensitive information that should be protected.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring the attacker to have existing access to the system where IBM Concert is installed. The exploitation process involves:

1. An attacker gains local access to a system running a vulnerable version of IBM Concert
2. The attacker identifies functions or API endpoints that lack proper access control validation
3. By invoking these unprotected functions, the attacker can retrieve sensitive information
4. The attack requires low privileges and no user interaction, making it relatively straightforward to execute once local access is obtained

The vulnerability affects confidentiality with high impact, while integrity and availability remain unaffected. This indicates that the primary risk is unauthorized access to sensitive data rather than modification or disruption of services.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-36440

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected access attempts to sensitive configuration files or credential stores within IBM Concert
• Anomalous user activity patterns showing access to privileged functions by low-privilege accounts
• Log entries indicating function calls from unauthorized user contexts
• Unusual data access patterns to authentication or credential-related components

Detection Strategies

• Implement audit logging for all function calls within IBM Concert to track access patterns
• Monitor for privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized access to sensitive data stores
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying abnormal local user behavior
• Review IBM Concert logs for evidence of unauthorized function invocations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging within IBM Concert environments and forward logs to SIEM solutions
• Establish baseline behavior for normal user activity and alert on deviations
• Implement file integrity monitoring on IBM Concert configuration and credential storage locations
• Regularly audit user access rights and function-level permissions within the application

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-36440

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the IBM Security Advisory for official patch information and remediation guidance
• Inventory all IBM Concert installations and identify versions within the affected range (1.0.0 through 2.2.0)
• Restrict local access to systems running IBM Concert to authorized personnel only
• Implement additional access controls at the network and operating system level as compensating controls

Patch Information

IBM has released information regarding this vulnerability through their support portal. Organizations running affected versions of IBM Concert should consult the IBM Support documentation for the latest patch availability and upgrade instructions. Apply the vendor-recommended patches or upgrade to a non-vulnerable version as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Limit local user access to IBM Concert systems to only essential personnel until patches can be applied
• Implement strict least-privilege principles for all accounts with access to affected systems
• Use network segmentation to isolate IBM Concert installations from general user access
• Deploy additional monitoring and access controls as compensating measures while awaiting patch deployment

# Review local users with access to IBM Concert
# Audit and restrict permissions as needed
getent passwd | grep -i concert
# Review IBM Concert installation directory permissions
ls -la /opt/ibm/concert/
# Check for any unauthorized access in system logs
grep -i "concert" /var/log/auth.log