CVE-2025-52602 Overview
CVE-2025-52602 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the HCL BigFix Query WebUI application. An HTTP GET endpoint returns discoverable responses that expose group names and active user names or IDs. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can query the endpoint to enumerate valid identities within the environment. The disclosed information supports targeted phishing and social engineering campaigns against enumerated users. The weakness is classified under [CWE-359] (Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor).
Critical Impact
Attackers can enumerate group names and active user identifiers through the WebUI Query application, enabling reconnaissance for follow-on phishing and social-engineering attacks.
Affected Products
- HCL BigFix Query (WebUI Query application)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-05 - CVE-2025-52602 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-52602
Vulnerability Analysis
The HCL BigFix Query WebUI exposes an HTTP GET endpoint that returns responses containing identity metadata. The endpoint discloses group names and active user names or IDs to callers who can reach it with low-privilege credentials. Attackers do not need to bypass authentication, but they can retrieve directory-style information that should be restricted.
The exposed data supports targeted reconnaissance. An attacker who enumerates valid usernames and group memberships can craft convincing phishing lures, prioritize privileged targets, and stage account takeover attempts. The disclosure by itself does not permit code execution or data modification, but it materially lowers the cost of downstream attacks.
Root Cause
The WebUI Query application returns identity data in responses without applying appropriate authorization or output filtering. The endpoint treats identity metadata as discoverable to any authenticated caller, which conflicts with the least-privilege model expected in enterprise administration consoles. This aligns with [CWE-359] where private information is returned to actors without sufficient access control.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires low-level authenticated access to the BigFix WebUI. An attacker issues HTTP GET requests to the affected Query endpoint and parses the returned response for group and user records. The attacker then correlates the enumerated identities with public profiles to build phishing target lists. No user interaction is required to trigger the disclosure. See the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-52602
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated HTTP GET requests to WebUI Query endpoints from a single authenticated session over a short window.
- Response payloads containing bulk user or group listings returned to low-privilege accounts.
- Web server access logs showing enumeration patterns such as sequential parameter iteration against the Query API.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor BigFix WebUI access logs for GET requests that return unusually large identity result sets to non-administrative users.
- Correlate WebUI query activity with subsequent phishing indicators such as spoofed emails targeting enumerated users.
- Baseline normal query volume per role and alert on deviations that suggest scripted enumeration.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ship BigFix WebUI logs to a centralized log platform and retain them for forensic review.
- Alert on authenticated sessions issuing high request rates against Query endpoints.
- Track outbound email patterns to users recently enumerated through the WebUI to catch follow-on phishing.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-52602
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article and apply the vendor-provided fix for BigFix Query WebUI.
- Restrict WebUI access to trusted administrative networks using firewall rules or reverse-proxy allowlists.
- Audit BigFix WebUI user accounts and remove low-privilege accounts that do not require query access.
Patch Information
HCL has published remediation guidance in the vendor knowledge base. Administrators should consult the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article for the fixed build and upgrade procedure for the BigFix Query WebUI component.
Workarounds
- Limit network reachability to the BigFix WebUI to administrative jump hosts until the patch is deployed.
- Reduce the number of accounts assigned to the WebUI Query role to shrink the exposure surface.
- Enable enhanced logging on WebUI endpoints so that any enumeration attempts are recorded for review.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
