CVE-2017-1328 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 - 5.0.6.0 could allow a remote attacker to bypass security restrictions of the api, caused by improper handling of security policy. By crafting a suitable request, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security and use the vulnerable API. IBM X-Force ID: 126230.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1328 affects IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.6.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the platform's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of security policies within the API management infrastructure, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the security policy enforcement mechanisms that are fundamental to API protection frameworks, potentially allowing malicious actors to circumvent established access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive API endpoints.
The technical nature of this flaw involves a weakness in how the system processes and validates security policy configurations during API request handling. When an attacker crafts a specially designed request that exploits the policy handling mechanism, the system fails to properly validate the request against established security restrictions. This misconfiguration allows the attacker to bypass authentication and authorization checks that should normally prevent unauthorized access to protected API resources. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement that are essential components of secure API management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of organizations relying on IBM API Connect for their API management needs. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive data, perform unauthorized operations, and gain elevated privileges within the API ecosystem. The risk is particularly concerning for organizations that depend on API Connect for managing critical business applications and data services, as the compromise of a single API endpoint could potentially lead to broader system infiltration. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of API-based services and could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available patch version of IBM API Connect that addresses this specific security policy handling issue. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and reflects patterns commonly associated with privilege escalation attacks in API management environments. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect anomalous API access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Abuse Elevation of Privilege' tactic where attackers leverage system weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their API management infrastructure and review existing security policies to ensure proper enforcement mechanisms are in place.