CVE-2018-1546 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.3 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by the failure to properly enable HTTP Strict Transport Security. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information using man in the middle techniques. IBM X-Force ID: 142650.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1546 affects IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.3, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of secure communications. This weakness stems from the improper implementation of HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) mechanisms within the API gateway infrastructure, creating exploitable conditions that enable malicious actors to intercept and manipulate sensitive data transfers.
The technical flaw manifests in the failure to properly configure HSTS headers that should enforce secure HTTPS connections exclusively. Without proper HSTS implementation, the system becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can downgrade connections from secure HTTPS to insecure HTTP protocols. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-311, which addresses the absence of proper encryption of sensitive data, and CWE-319, which focuses on the exposure of sensitive information through improper transport layer security. The absence of HSTS headers leaves the system susceptible to various attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and data interception.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on IBM API Connect for their API management needs. Attackers can exploit this weakness to capture sensitive information transmitted between clients and the API gateway, potentially gaining access to authentication tokens, user credentials, and proprietary data. The impact extends beyond individual data breaches to potential system compromise and unauthorized access to backend services. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves network service scanning, and T1566, focusing on credential harvesting through social engineering or network attacks. Organizations using this software face potential regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage due to inadequate security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of proper HSTS header configuration, ensuring that all responses include the Strict-Transport-Security header with appropriate parameters. Organizations should also implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect and prevent protocol downgrade attacks. The recommended approach involves upgrading to IBM API Connect versions that address this vulnerability, as well as conducting thorough security assessments of existing deployments. Additional protective measures include implementing certificate pinning, enforcing mandatory HTTPS connections, and establishing robust network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious protocol behavior and ensure that all communications within the API ecosystem maintain encryption integrity throughout the entire transaction lifecycle.