IBM Planning Analytics Local: Absolute Path Traversal
CVE-2025-36357 is a high-severity absolute path traversal vulnerability in IBM Planning Analytics Local from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected IBM Planning Analytics Local versions: 2.1.0 through 2.1.14. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.87% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Planning Analytics Local to 2.1.15 or a later version.
- Update Planning Analytics Workspace to 2.1.15 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on ibm.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | IBM Planning Analytics Local | 2.1.0 through 2.1.14 | Not stated |
| IBM | Planning Analytics Local | 2.1.0 up to, but not including, 2.1.15 | 2.1.15 |
| IBM | Planning Analytics Workspace | 2.1.0 up to, but not including, 2.1.15 | 2.1.15 |
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (us.ibm.com).
Official description
IBM Planning Analytics Local 2.1.0 through 2.1.14 could allow a remote authenticated user to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially crafted URL request containing absolute path sequences to view, read, or write arbitrary files on the system.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Absolute Path Traversal
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that should be within a restricted directory, but it does not properly neutralize absolute path sequences such as /abs/path that can resolve to a location that is outside of that directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Inputs should be decoded and canonicalized to the application's current internal representation before being validated (CWE-180). Make sure that the application does not decode the same input twice (CWE-174). Such errors could be used to bypass allowlist validation schemes by introducing dangerous inputs after they have been checked.
- Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Recent Absolute Path Traversal vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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