CVE-2018-1430 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.2 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. This vulnerability allows users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Web UI thus altering the intended functionality potentially leading to credentials disclosure within a trusted session. IBM X-Force ID: 139226.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2023
IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.2 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within the web interface, allowing malicious actors to inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of authenticated users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to manipulate the intended functionality of the application, potentially leading to session hijacking and credential disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious scripts that can capture user credentials, steal session tokens, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users. The vulnerability exists within the web UI components that handle user-supplied data, making it accessible to both authenticated and unauthenticated attackers who can craft malicious payloads to exploit the XSS flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the API management platform. When attackers successfully inject JavaScript code into the web interface, they can manipulate the application's behavior to redirect users to malicious sites, steal sensitive information from authenticated sessions, or even modify API configurations. The IBM X-Force ID 139226 highlights the specific nature of this vulnerability and its potential for exploitation within trusted session contexts. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells and malicious script injection. The affected versions of IBM API Connect create a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers to establish long-term access to the API management environment, potentially compromising thousands of APIs that rely on this platform for security enforcement.
Organizations utilizing IBM API Connect within this vulnerable version range face significant risk exposure that requires immediate remediation. The vulnerability's ability to enable credential disclosure within trusted sessions makes it particularly attractive to threat actors who can leverage stolen session tokens to gain elevated privileges within the API management ecosystem. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious user activity and unauthorized API access attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Mitigation strategies include applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing strict input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and regularly audit the web UI components for potential injection points. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper input sanitization practices in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories related to injection flaws and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.