CVE-2025-33013: Sensitive Information Disclosure in IBM MQ Operator
This blog post discusses CVE-2025-33013, a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability affecting several versions of the IBM MQ Operator. This flaw could allow a local user to potentially access sensitive information due to improper handling of heap memory.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-33013
- Description: IBM MQ Operator LTS 2.0.0 through 2.0.29, MQ Operator CD 3.0.0, 3.0.1, 3.1.0 through 3.1.3, 3.3.0, 3.4.0, 3.4.1, 3.5.0, 3.5.1, 3.6.0, and MQ Operator SC2 3.2.0 through 3.2.13 Container could disclose sensitive information to a local user due to improper clearing of heap memory before release.
- CVSS Score: 6.2 (Medium)
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
- CVSS Explanation: This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.2, which is considered a medium severity. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker needs local access to the system. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and no privileges are required (PR:N). User interaction is not required (UI:N) and the scope is unchanged (S:U). The confidentiality impact is high (C:H), meaning sensitive information could be disclosed. There is no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N).
- Exploit Requirements: Local access to the affected container.
- Affected Vendor: IBM
- Affected Product: MQ Operator
- Affected Versions:
- LTS 2.0.0 through 2.0.29
- CD 3.0.0, 3.0.1, 3.1.0 through 3.1.3, 3.3.0, 3.4.0, 3.4.1, 3.5.0, 3.5.1, 3.6.0
- SC2 3.2.0 through 3.2.13
- CWE: CWE-244 - Improper Clearing of Heap Memory Before Release
- CWE Explanation: CWE-244 describes the scenario where sensitive data remains in heap memory after it has been used by an application. If this memory is not properly cleared before being reallocated, a subsequent process could potentially access this data, leading to information disclosure.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-24: CVE Assigned and Published.
- Awaiting Analysis: Further investigation and analysis of the vulnerability is ongoing.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
While the vulnerability requires local access, in containerized environments, gaining local access is not uncommon, especially if the container is misconfigured or if another vulnerability allows for container escape. Successful exploitation could lead to the disclosure of sensitive configuration data, credentials, or other proprietary information managed by the MQ Operator.
Recommendations
- Apply Patches: Upgrade to a patched version of IBM MQ Operator as soon as they become available. Refer to IBM's security bulletin for specific fix versions.
- Secure Container Environment: Implement robust container security practices to limit local access to the container.
- Memory Handling Review: Review and improve the memory handling practices within the MQ Operator codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability stems from the MQ Operator's failure to properly clear sensitive data from heap memory before releasing it. This means that after the data is no longer needed, it may still reside in memory, potentially accessible to other processes running within the same container. Correct memory management is crucial to prevent such information leaks.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Credit to IBM Security for identifying and reporting this vulnerability.
References
Tags
#IBM #MQOperator #CVE-2025-33013 #InformationDisclosure #SecurityVulnerability #ContainerSecurity #HeapMemory #CWE-244
Summary: CVE-2025-33013 is a medium severity information disclosure vulnerability in IBM MQ Operator that could allow a local user to access sensitive information due to improper handling of heap memory.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-33013
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information, potentially impacting the confidentiality of the system and allowing further attacks.
Recommendation: Upgrade to the latest patched version of IBM MQ Operator. Implement proper memory handling techniques and secure the container environment.
Timeline
- 2025-07-24: CVE Assigned and Published