CVE-2025-13460 in Aspera Console
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
IBM Aspera Console 3.3.0 through 3.4.8 could allow an attacker to enumerate usernames due to an observable response discrepancy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
IBM Aspera Console versions 3.3.0 through 3.4.8 contain a vulnerability that enables attackers to perform username enumeration through response timing variations. This flaw stems from the application's inconsistent handling of authentication requests for valid and invalid usernames, creating observable differences in system response times that can be exploited to determine which usernames exist within the system. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer where the application does not implement consistent time responses regardless of whether a username is valid or invalid, allowing attackers to distinguish between different authentication outcomes based on timing discrepancies. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of timing attacks as defined by CWE-203, where information leakage occurs through variations in system behavior that can be measured and analyzed. The issue represents a significant security weakness in the authentication mechanism that directly violates the principle of consistent error handling and timing behavior that should be implemented to prevent information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple username enumeration as it provides attackers with a foundational foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Once valid usernames are discovered, attackers can proceed with targeted password spraying, brute force attempts, or credential stuffing attacks against the identified accounts. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where IBM Aspera Console is used for file transfer operations and where user authentication is critical to maintaining security boundaries. The timing discrepancies are not subtle but rather significant enough to be reliably detected through automated tools, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users exist and where the console might be exposed to external networks or where insufficient network segmentation exists.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including the deployment of consistent response time handling mechanisms across all authentication endpoints, ensuring that valid and invalid authentication attempts return responses with similar timing characteristics. Network-level protections such as rate limiting and connection throttling can help reduce the effectiveness of enumeration attempts by limiting the number of requests that can be made within a given timeframe. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring for authentication attempts can help detect suspicious patterns that may indicate enumeration activities. The vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack framework where adversaries attempt to gather information about valid accounts before launching more targeted attacks, specifically matching techniques categorized under credential access and reconnaissance phases. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to add additional layers of protection, as even if username enumeration is successful, the presence of additional authentication factors significantly reduces the effectiveness of credential-based attacks. The issue demonstrates the importance of applying security principles such as the principle of least privilege and consistent error handling practices that are fundamental to secure application development and align with industry standards for secure coding practices.