CVE-2025-33118 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2025
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.5 through 7.5.0 Update Pack 12 is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting. This vulnerability allows authenticated users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Web UI thus altering the intended functionality potentially leading to credentials disclosure within a trusted session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2025
IBM QRadar SIEM version 7.5 through 7.5.0 Update Pack 12 contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on this security information and event management platform. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The flaw exists within the web user interface where authenticated users can inject malicious JavaScript code that gets stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' sessions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the user and the application, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated users to submit malicious scripts through various input fields within the QRadar web interface. When these scripts are stored in the application's database or configuration files, they become persistent and execute whenever other users view the affected content. This stored nature means that the malicious code can affect multiple users over time rather than requiring immediate exploitation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web UI components where user-generated content is rendered, potentially allowing attackers to create malicious links, forms, or other interactive elements that execute JavaScript when accessed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution and can lead to serious security consequences including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate within the trusted QRadar environment. This risk is particularly concerning for security operations centers that rely on QRadar for threat detection and incident response, as compromised sessions could provide attackers with access to critical security information and operational capabilities. The vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model of the application, allowing attackers to perform actions as authenticated users within the system.
Organizations should immediately apply the latest security patches from IBM to address this vulnerability, as the update pack 13 contains the necessary fixes for CVE-2025-33118. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual script injection patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review user access controls to ensure that only necessary personnel have the privileges required to submit content that could lead to XSS vulnerabilities. The mitigation strategy should include regular security assessments of the QRadar environment and monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.