CVE-2017-1386 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 could allow a user to bypass policy restrictions and create non-compliant passwords which could be intercepted and decrypted using man in the middle techniques. IBM X-Force ID: 127160.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1386 affects IBM API Connect version 5.0.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the platform's access control mechanisms and authentication protocols. This issue stems from insufficient policy enforcement within the API management system, creating opportunities for unauthorized users to circumvent established security controls that are designed to protect sensitive API resources and maintain compliance with organizational security standards.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the system's inability to properly validate and enforce access policies, allowing malicious actors to bypass restrictions that should prevent unauthorized access to protected API endpoints. Additionally, the vulnerability encompasses weak password handling mechanisms that generate non-compliant credentials, which when transmitted over networks, become susceptible to interception and decryption through man-in-the-middle attacks. This dual nature of the vulnerability creates a particularly dangerous scenario where both access control and authentication components are compromised simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a comprehensive security breach that can lead to data exfiltration, API abuse, and potential system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to protected API resources while also obtaining credentials that may be used to escalate privileges or access additional systems within the network. The man-in-the-middle component particularly amplifies the risk by enabling attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive information during transmission, potentially compromising not just the API management system but also underlying infrastructure and user data.
Organizations utilizing IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the software, implementing additional network security controls such as encrypted communication channels, and strengthening authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access methods, specifically targeting the T1078 and T1550 attack phases. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential man-in-the-middle activity and ensure all communications occur over secure channels with proper encryption protocols such as TLS 1.2 or higher.