CVE-2017-1551 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.7.2 could allow a remote attacker to hijack the clicking action of the victim. By persuading a victim to visit a malicious Web site, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to hijack the victim's click actions and possibly launch further attacks against the victim. IBM X-Force ID: 131291.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
This vulnerability resides in IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.7.2 and represents a significant web-based attack vector that enables remote adversaries to manipulate user interactions through click hijacking techniques. The flaw operates by exploiting weaknesses in the web application's handling of user input and event processing, creating an environment where malicious actors can intercept and redirect user click events. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of cross-site scripting attacks and user interface redressing, where the attacker manipulates the victim's browser to perform unintended actions while maintaining the appearance of legitimate user interaction. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the user and the web application, making it difficult for users to detect the malicious activity occurring during their normal browsing sessions. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns.
The technical implementation of this click hijacking vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user input within the API Connect web interface components. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit the application's event handling mechanisms to capture click events intended for legitimate application interfaces. This manipulation allows the attacker to redirect user actions to malicious endpoints while maintaining the illusion that the user is interacting with the legitimate API Connect interface. The vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in the application's security model and event processing architecture, where proper input validation and secure coding practices were not adequately implemented to prevent such interference with user interaction patterns. The attack exploits the fundamental trust users place in their web browsers and applications, creating a scenario where legitimate user actions can be redirected without the user's knowledge or consent. This vulnerability type is classified under CWE-74 and CWE-79, representing code injection and cross-site scripting weaknesses that enable attackers to manipulate user interfaces and redirect user interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple click redirection, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, data manipulation, and further exploitation of the compromised session. When users are tricked into visiting malicious websites, their interactions with the legitimate API Connect interface can be hijacked to perform unauthorized operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where API Connect serves as a critical gateway for application programming interfaces, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate API access, modify configuration settings, or extract sensitive data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit enterprise web applications. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged repeatedly against users who have access to the vulnerable API Connect instances, potentially compromising multiple sessions and operations over time.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, which address the underlying click hijacking mechanisms in the API Connect web interface. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter malicious traffic targeting the vulnerable API Connect instances. Enhanced user awareness training is essential to help personnel recognize and avoid visiting malicious websites that could exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of content security policies and proper input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential click hijacking and similar user interface manipulation vulnerabilities within the enterprise environment. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security controls and monitoring user interaction patterns to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and the need for comprehensive security architectures that protect against both traditional and emerging web-based attack vectors. This case demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing user interface manipulation attacks that can compromise entire enterprise systems through seemingly simple interaction hijacking techniques.