CVE-2018-1469 in API Connect Developer Portal
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect Developer Portal 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.2 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute system commands using specially crafted HTTP requests. IBM X-Force ID: 140605.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1469 affects IBM API Connect Developer Portal versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.2, representing a critical remote command execution flaw that enables unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized system access. This vulnerability resides within the web application's input processing mechanisms and demonstrates a classic command injection weakness that can be exploited through crafted HTTP requests without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently processed by the system's command execution functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a command injection pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, where user-controllable data flows directly into system command invocations without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can construct specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious command sequences that bypass normal input validation checks and are subsequently executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves manipulating parameters that are passed to system commands, allowing attackers to leverage the portal's functionality to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application process. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that can potentially lead to complete system compromise when the web application operates with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any external party can potentially exploit this vulnerability without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the developer portal is exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations utilizing affected versions of IBM API Connect Developer Portal face significant risk of unauthorized system compromise, with potential consequences including complete system takeover, data loss, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability can also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as establishing persistent backdoors, deploying malware, or using the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected IBM API Connect Developer Portal versions to the latest supported releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the developer portal, particularly when it is exposed to untrusted networks, by employing firewalls and access control lists to restrict connections to only trusted sources. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests, conducting regular security assessments of the application's input validation mechanisms, and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing command injection vulnerabilities. The remediation approach must align with industry best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem.