Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops: Use of Default Credentials
CVE-2025-36221 is a high-severity use of default credentials vulnerability in Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops versions: 11.3.0.2 through Interim Fix 002. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.27% 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 Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on ibm.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops | 11.3.0.2 through Interim Fix 002 | 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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
IBM Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops 11.3.0.2 through Interim Fix 002 IBM Cloud Pak for Data System uses default passwords default passwords from the manufacturing process for use during the installation process, which could allow an attacker to bypass authentication.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Default Credentials
The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
- Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
- The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Cloud Pak for Data System - Cyclops
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Use of Default Credentials vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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