BigFix Service Management (SM): Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default
CVE-2025-31974 is a high-severity initialization of a resource with an insecure default vulnerability in BigFix Service Management (SM) from HCL Software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected BigFix Service Management (SM) versions: 23. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of BigFix Service Management (SM) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on support.hcl-software.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCL Software | BigFix Service Management (SM) | 23 | Not stated |
| HCL Software | Bigfix Service Management | 23.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 3.9 | Low | CNA (hcl.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
HCL BigFix Service Management (SM) is susceptible to a Root File System Not Mounted as Read-Only. An improperly configured root file system may allow unintended modifications to critical system components, potentially increasing the risk of system compromise or unauthorized changes.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default
The product initializes or sets a resource with a default that is intended to be changed by the product's installer, administrator, or maintainer, but the default is not secure.
More Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities (CWE-1188)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in BigFix Service Management (SM)
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.