Overview
CVE-2025-36072 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting IBM webMethods Integration versions 10.11 through 10.11_Core_Fix22, 10.15 through 10.15_Core_Fix22, and 11.1 through 11.1_Core_Fix6. This vulnerability allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary code on the system due to the deserialization of untrusted object graphs data. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of data being deserialized. An attacker, after successful authentication, can craft a malicious payload containing serialized Java objects. When the webMethods Integration server attempts to deserialize this untrusted data, it can be tricked into executing arbitrary code injected within the serialized object. This is a classic deserialization vulnerability, leveraging the server’s trust in the source of the data.
CVSS Analysis
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
A CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high-severity vulnerability. This score reflects the ease of exploitation (authentication required, but no user interaction) and the potential impact of a successful attack, which includes complete system compromise (confidentiality, integrity, and availability).
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-36072 can have severe consequences, including:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): An attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the affected server.
- Data Breach: Sensitive data stored on or accessible by the webMethods Integration server can be stolen or modified.
- System Compromise: The entire system hosting the webMethods Integration server can be compromised, potentially leading to further attacks on the internal network.
- Denial of Service (DoS): An attacker could potentially crash or disable the webMethods Integration server, disrupting critical business processes.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
IBM has released fixes to address this vulnerability. It is highly recommended to apply the appropriate fix for your version of webMethods Integration as soon as possible. Please follow these steps:
- Identify your webMethods Integration version.
- Visit the IBM Support website to download the appropriate fix: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7252090
- Follow the instructions provided by IBM for installing the fix.
- After applying the fix, restart the webMethods Integration server to ensure the changes take effect.
- Monitor your systems for any signs of compromise.
References
IBM Security Bulletin: Security Vulnerability in IBM webMethods Integration (CVE-2025-36072)
