CVE-2017-1161 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.6.0 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system, caused by improper validation of URLs for the Developer Portal. By crafting a malicious URL, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the system with the privileges of the www-data user. IBM X-Force ID: 122956.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1161 affects IBM API Connect version 5.0.6.0 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the Developer Portal component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied URLs, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the system's behavior through crafted malicious inputs. The flaw specifically targets the URL processing logic within the portal interface, where insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious command sequences that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through URL manipulation techniques that leverage the improper validation of user inputs. When a malicious URL is crafted and processed by the vulnerable system, the insufficient sanitization allows command injection payloads to be executed within the context of the www-data user account, which typically represents the web server's execution environment. This privilege level provides attackers with significant control over the system's resources and data, as the www-data user typically has access to web application files, database connections, and system resources necessary for maintaining the API gateway functionality. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication or prior access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it allows attackers to potentially escalate their privileges within the system environment and access sensitive data. The fact that commands execute with www-data privileges means that attackers can manipulate API configurations, access backend services, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the API management platform, as unauthorized parties can modify or extract information from the system. The implications are particularly severe given that API gateways often serve as central points of control for enterprise API management, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to organizational systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the Developer Portal, and conducting thorough security assessments of the API Connect environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code execution flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent user input from directly influencing system command execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and script execution, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting input validation at multiple layers, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.