CVE-2025-14974 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2026
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7.0.0 through 11.7.1.6 is vulnerable due to Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2026
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7.0.0 through 11.7.1.6 contains a critical Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to access sensitive data and system resources. This vulnerability falls under CWE-639 which specifically addresses checks for access control that are not applied to all objects in a system. The flaw occurs when the application directly references objects using user-supplied input without proper authorization validation, enabling attackers to manipulate object identifiers and gain access to data they should not be permitted to view. This vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's access control mechanisms and can lead to significant data exposure across the information server environment.
The technical implementation of this IDOR vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions when processing object references within the InfoSphere Information Server framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that reference objects using identifiers from other users or system components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core information server functionality where users interact with datasets, metadata, and system configurations. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially access sensitive information including database connection details, user credentials, system metadata, and business-critical data that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad and can enable further exploitation through privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations using affected versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server face significant risks including unauthorized access to proprietary information, potential data breaches, and violations of data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX requirements. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web application interfaces, API endpoints, or direct system calls that interact with the information server components. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk that could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about the organization's data assets, and potentially establish persistent access to sensitive systems. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the information server acts as a central repository for enterprise data governance and metadata management.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing proper access control validation at all object reference points within the application, implementing robust input sanitization and validation mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The recommended approach involves implementing a defense-in-depth strategy that includes access control audits, privilege separation, and regular security assessments of the information server environment. Security controls should be aligned with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 requirements for access control management. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar IDOR vulnerabilities in other applications and services within their infrastructure. Regular patch management and version control processes should be enhanced to ensure that all systems are running the latest secure versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server, with immediate updates applied to address this and related vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining proper access control mechanisms and demonstrates the need for continuous security testing and validation of application security controls.