CVE-2025-36100 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2025
IBM MQ LTS 9.1.0.0 through 9.1.0.29, 9.2.0.0 through 9.2.0.36, 9.3.0.0 through 9.3.0.30 and 9.4.0.0 through 9.4.0.12 and IBM MQ CD 9.3.0.0 through 9.3.5.1 and 9.4.0.0 through 9.4.3.0 Java and JMS stores a password in client configuration files when trace is enabled which can be read by a local user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
This vulnerability exists in IBM MQ LTS and CD versions across multiple release streams where sensitive authentication credentials are improperly stored in client configuration files when trace functionality is enabled. The flaw represents a critical security oversight that violates fundamental principles of credential protection and secure configuration management. When trace logging is activated for Java and JMS clients, the system persists password information in plaintext format within configuration files, creating an exploitable condition that directly contradicts security best practices established in industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-522. The vulnerability affects a broad range of IBM MQ versions including 9.1.0.0 through 9.1.0.29, 9.2.0.0 through 9.2.0.36, 9.3.0.0 through 9.3.0.30, 9.4.0.0 through 9.4.0.12, and the corresponding CD versions through 9.3.5.1 and 9.4.3.0, indicating a widespread issue affecting both long-term support and current delivery streams.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the IBM MQ client configuration management system. When trace functionality is enabled, the system fails to sanitize or encrypt password values before writing them to persistent configuration files, creating a situation where local users with access to these files can directly read authentication credentials. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation and output sanitization practices. The flaw operates at the application level and specifically affects the Java and JMS client components of IBM MQ, making it particularly concerning for environments where these client technologies are extensively deployed. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1552 category for unsecured credentials, and more specifically T1552.001 for credentials in files, which directly maps to the insecure storage of authentication information in configuration files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within affected environments. Local users who can access the configuration files gain immediate access to authentication credentials that may be used to establish connections to MQ queues, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, message interception, or even system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant or shared hosting environments where multiple users may have access to the same file system, or in scenarios where system administrators are not properly educated about the security implications of enabling trace functionality. Organizations using IBM MQ in production environments are at risk of credential theft, which could result in significant data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties under frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. The vulnerability also undermines the integrity of the IBM MQ security model, as it creates an implicit trust relationship that does not align with the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation is to disable trace functionality in production environments or ensure that when trace is enabled, it is done so with appropriate security controls and monitoring in place. Organizations should implement strict file system permissions to limit access to configuration files containing sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized personnel can read these files. The implementation of automated monitoring tools to detect unauthorized access to configuration files should be considered as part of a comprehensive security posture. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing credential rotation procedures and ensure that any password stored in configuration files is regularly updated to minimize the impact window if credentials are compromised. From a configuration management perspective, organizations should establish policies that prevent the storage of passwords in configuration files and instead utilize secure credential management systems or environment variables. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar issues in other components of the IBM MQ ecosystem, as the flaw demonstrates a pattern of insecure credential handling that could potentially exist elsewhere in the system.