CVE-2026-7365 Overview
CVE-2026-7365 affects IBM Operations Analytics - Log Analysis and IBM SmartCloud Analytics - Log Analysis. The products ship with default passwords from the manufacturing process that remain available during installation. An attacker with local access can use these credentials to bypass authentication and gain access to the analytics platform. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-1392] Use of Default Credentials. IBM has published a support advisory addressing the issue.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can bypass authentication using factory-default credentials, gaining high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of log analytics data.
Affected Products
- IBM Operations Analytics - Log Analysis
- IBM SmartCloud Analytics - Log Analysis
- Refer to the IBM Support Page for affected version details
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-27 - CVE-2026-7365 published to NVD
- 2026-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-7365
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from the use of default passwords embedded in IBM Operations Analytics - Log Analysis and IBM SmartCloud Analytics - Log Analysis. These credentials originate from the manufacturing process and are intended for use during installation. The credentials remain valid on deployed systems, providing a known authentication path for any actor who can reach the installation interface. Successful authentication grants access to sensitive log data, configuration controls, and platform services.
Root Cause
The root cause is the inclusion of static, factory-issued credentials in the installation workflow, classified under [CWE-1392] Use of Default Credentials. Default credentials are inherently shared across deployments and become public knowledge once disclosed. When the installation process does not force credential rotation, the values remain a permanent backdoor on production systems.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to the host running the affected analytics product. No prior authentication or user interaction is required. The attacker submits the manufacturer default credentials to the installation or authentication endpoint and gains authenticated access. Once inside, the attacker can read indexed logs, alter analytics configurations, and disrupt service availability.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the IBM Support Page for additional technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7365
Indicators of Compromise
- Successful logins to IBM Log Analysis using account names documented as installation or factory defaults.
- Authentication events from local sessions or jump hosts that should not be performing administrative work.
- Unexpected changes to data source configurations, dashboards, or index policies in Log Analysis.
Detection Strategies
- Audit account inventories on Operations Analytics and SmartCloud Analytics deployments for any account still using a vendor-supplied password.
- Review authentication logs for logins originating from the local host or installer service accounts after the install phase has completed.
- Correlate successful authentication events with privileged configuration changes within short time windows.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward IBM Log Analysis authentication and audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and alerting.
- Create alerts for any authentication attempt using known IBM default account names.
- Monitor file integrity on installer directories and credential configuration files for unauthorized modification.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7365
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix described on the IBM Support Page for both Operations Analytics - Log Analysis and SmartCloud Analytics - Log Analysis.
- Rotate all administrative and service account passwords on affected installations immediately.
- Restrict local and management network access to the analytics hosts to authorized administrators only.
Patch Information
IBM has issued remediation guidance through its support portal. Administrators should consult the IBM Support Page for the patch package, fix pack version, and upgrade procedure that apply to their deployment.
Workarounds
- Force a password change for every account created or referenced during installation before exposing the system to users.
- Disable or remove default accounts that are not required for ongoing operation.
- Enforce host-level access controls so that only trusted administrators can reach the installation and management interfaces.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
