CVE-2025-33141 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2026
IBM QRadar 7.5.0 through 7.5.0 UP15 Interim Fix 006 could allow an authenticated user to obtain sensitive information from backup files due to incorrect permissions assignment.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2026
The vulnerability identified in IBM QRadar versions ranging from 7.5.0 through the specific interim fix release of 7.5.0 UP15 Interim Fix 006 represents a significant security misconfiguration within the application's file system management logic. This flaw is categorized under CWE-284, which describes Improper Access Control, specifically manifesting as an incorrect permissions assignment that fails to restrict access to sensitive data structures. The core technical issue lies in how backup files are generated and stored on the underlying operating system infrastructure supporting the QRadar console. These backup archives typically contain comprehensive snapshots of configuration settings, user credentials, network topology maps, and potentially other proprietary operational data essential for the SIEM platform's functionality. Due to the flawed permission model, these critical artifacts are not adequately secured against unauthorized read operations by users who have been granted authenticated access but lack administrative privileges or specific roles required to view such sensitive material.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability allows a low-privileged user with valid credentials for the QRadar interface to exploit the misconfigured file system permissions to extract these backup files. The operational impact of this information disclosure is severe because it effectively bypasses the intended role-based access control mechanisms designed to segment administrative and analytical functions within the security operations center environment. Once obtained, an adversary can analyze the contents of the backup archives to map out the internal network architecture, identify active users and their associated privilege levels, and potentially extract hashed passwords or API keys that could be used for further lateral movement or persistent access attempts. This scenario aligns closely with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves File and Directory Discovery, as well as T1505.002, indicating the use of Server Software Component: Web Shell if the attacker were to attempt persistence through uploaded malicious files derived from this initial reconnaissance phase.
The exploitation does not require complex binary manipulation or remote code execution vectors; rather, it relies on social engineering or simple credential theft followed by navigation within the QRadar interface to locate and download backup artifacts that should have been restricted to system-level processes only. This simplifies the attack chain significantly, increasing the likelihood of successful compromise in environments where multi-factor authentication is not enforced for all administrative actions or where user accounts are shared among multiple analysts with varying levels of trust. The presence of such sensitive data in accessible backups also violates several compliance frameworks including PCI DSS and NIST SP 800-53, which mandate strict controls over the storage and access of configuration data that could facilitate unauthorized system modification or information exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary corrective action is to apply the specific interim fix mentioned in the vendor advisory, which addresses the permission bits assigned to backup files during their creation process. Administrators should ensure they are running a version of QRadar that includes this patch or later updates where the issue has been resolved. Beyond applying patches, organizations should implement strict file system auditing and monitoring using tools like OSSEC or native SIEM rules to detect unusual access patterns to configuration directories. Additionally, enforcing least-privilege principles across all user accounts ensures that even if such a vulnerability exists in future versions, the blast radius is minimized by restricting who can request or view backup operations. Regular audits of file permissions on critical system paths and automated scanning for world-readable sensitive files should be integrated into routine security maintenance procedures to prevent similar misconfigurations from persisting undetected.