A permissions issue in IBM QRadar SIEM could enable local privileged users to modify configuration files without proper authorization.
Tracked as CVE-2025-0164, this flaw stems from incorrect permission assignment for a critical resource, potentially compromising the integrity of a deployed security monitoring environment.
IBM has released an interim fix, and administrators are urged to apply it promptly to maintain secure operations.
Vulnerability Overview
IBM QRadar SIEM is a leading security information and event management solution used by organizations worldwide to collect, analyze, and store security events.
In version 7.5.0 Update 13 Interim Fix 01, an improper permission assignment allowed local users with elevated privileges to access and change sensitive configuration files.
| CVE ID | Description | CVSS Score |
| CVE-2025-0164 | Local privileged user may perform unauthorized actions on configuration files due to improper permission assignment. | 2.3 |
Such actions could alter logging parameters, disable specific detection rules, or inject malicious parameters that evade standard security controls.
While the flaw does not allow direct remote exploitation, it significantly raises the stakes if a local privileged account is compromised through other means.
The vulnerability carries a CVSS base score of 2.3, indicating low overall impact but non-negligible potential for administrators to inadvertently weaken their own security posture.
Since the flaw requires a user with high privileges already on the system, it does not broaden remote attack surfaces.
However, if an attacker can gain local privileged access through credential theft or privilege escalation, they could misuse this permission gap to disable or manipulate critical detection capabilities.
The primary concern is the alteration of configuration files that guide event collection and rule enforcement. Attackers could effectively blind QRadar to certain types of malicious behavior or redirect logs to cover their tracks.
IBM has addressed CVE-2025-0164 by releasing an interim fix package for QRadar SIEM version 7.5.0. Administrators should update to Update 13 Interim Fix 02 to correct the file permission settings.
No workarounds or mitigations are available beyond applying the official fix. It is essential to subscribe to IBM’s security bulletin notifications to stay informed of future patches and advisories.
Regular system audits and file integrity monitoring can also help detect unauthorized changes to configuration files.
Ensuring that only trusted administrators have privileged accounts and rotating credentials frequently can further reduce the window of opportunity for misuse.
Maintaining a defense-in-depth strategy remains crucial. While SIEM solutions serve as a central component of security monitoring, they must be complemented by endpoint protection, network segmentation, and strict access controls.
Consistent patch management, combined with proactive incident response drills, will strengthen resilience against both configuration-based flaws and more sophisticated intrusions.
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