CVE-2025-12985 License Service: Privilege escalation vulnerability
Local attackers can escalate privileges to root inside containers running the IBM Licensing Operator image due to incorrect file permissions.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2025-12985?
CVE-2025-12985 is a high-severity vulnerability in IBM Licensing Operator, published on 20 Jan 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
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.
Weakness: CWE-732
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-12985?
How do I fix CVE-2025-12985?
No fix has been published for CVE-2025-12985 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2025-12985 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-12985 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-9c9w-6vq7-46v6.