What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-12985?

CVE-2025-12985 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.0%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2025-12985?

Within 7 days: Identify all affected systems and apply vendor patches promptly. Monitor vendor channels for patch availability.

IBM CVE-2025-12985

HIGH

Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource (CWE-732)

2026-01-20 psirt@us.ibm.com

IBM

8.4

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

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Vulnerability Assessment

Weakness	CWE CWE-732 OWASP Top 10:2025 A01:2025 - Broken Access Control ASVS 5.0 V13 - Configuration Permission assignment review
Impact	CVSS 8.4 (HIGH). Attack vector: Local. Complexity: Low. Privileges required: None. User interaction: None. Exploitable via local access.
Exploit ScenarioDerived	An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to a local root escalation inside a container running the IBM Licensing Operator im.

This Week Schedule remediation this week. Why: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9).

No patch listed yet 0.0% exploitation probability (EPSS)

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AnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026

IBM Licensing Operator incorrectly assigns privileges to security critical files which could allow a local root escalation inside a container running the IBM Licensing Operator image. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]

RemediationAI

Monitor vendor advisories for a patch.

Affected ProductsAI

IBM Licensing Operator incorrectly assigns privileges to security critical files which could

Affects your stack

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Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.

Technical ContextAI · show details

This vulnerability (CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) IBM Licensing Operator incorrectly assigns privileges to security critical files which could allow a local root escalation inside a container running the IBM Licensing Operator image.

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Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources

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Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY 8.4 HIGH

AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

Attack Vector

Local

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

DescriptionCVE.org

IBM Licensing Operator incorrectly assigns privileges to security critical files which could allow a local root escalation inside a container running the IBM Licensing Operator image.

Executive ViewAI

Why It Matters

CVE-2025-12985 presents notable security risk, a incorrect permissions vulnerability rated CVSS 8.4. Attackers could escalate their privileges to gain elevated access beyond their authorized level. Organizations should apply vendor updates when available and consider compensating controls in the interim.

Business Impact: High

Compensating Controls

Apply vendor patch. If immediate patching is not feasible: (1) Implement network-level access controls to limit exposure; (2) Enable enhanced monitoring and alerting; (3) Apply principle of least privilege.

Threat Intelligence Overview

EPSS Score

0.0%

Top 96% exploitable

Data Quality

3 sources

Confidence: Low

NVD

CVE.org

EPSS

How this decision was reached

The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.

SignalValue

Severity HIGH

CISA KEV No

Public POC No

EPSS 0.0%

Patch available No

Active threat No

Deciding rule

HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9)

What every action level means

Emergency Immediate action required. Criteria: CRITICAL + in CISA KEV (actively exploited) without patch, OR CRITICAL + EPSS > 30% without patch, OR CRITICAL + active threat signals without patch.

Act Now Prioritize within 24-48h. Criteria: in KEV with patch available, OR CRITICAL + public POC, OR HIGH + EPSS > 10%, OR CRITICAL + active threat, OR any CRITICAL severity.

This Week Schedule remediation this week. Criteria: HIGH severity (CVSS 7.0-8.9). Patch within normal change window.

This Month Plan within 30 days. Criteria: MEDIUM severity (CVSS 4.0-6.9), lower exploitation probability. Include in regular patch cycle.

Monitor Track and reassess. Criteria: LOW severity (CVSS 0.1-3.9), minimal exploitation risk. No immediate action needed.