CVE-2018-1548 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 2018.1.0.0, 2018.2.1, 2018.2.2, 2018.2.3, and 2018.2.4 contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated user to obtain sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 142657.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1548 affects IBM API Connect versions 2018.1.0.0 through 2018.2.4, representing a significant security flaw that could enable authenticated users to access sensitive information. This issue resides within IBM's API management platform, which serves as a critical component for organizations managing and securing their application programming interfaces. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the API Connect framework, potentially allowing malicious actors with legitimate credentials to escalate their privileges and obtain unauthorized data access.
The technical flaw manifests as an information disclosure vulnerability that permits authenticated users to retrieve sensitive data through improper access control mechanisms. This weakness falls under the category of insufficient authorization checks and can be categorized as CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues. The vulnerability specifically affects the API Connect administrative interfaces and management components where user permissions and access controls are not properly enforced. Attackers could exploit this flaw to gain access to configuration files, user credentials, system information, and other sensitive data that should remain restricted to authorized administrators only.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1548 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire API management environments. Organizations utilizing affected IBM API Connect versions face risks of data breaches, unauthorized system access, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability could facilitate attacks that align with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access, privilege escalation, and defense evasion. Systems compromised through this vulnerability might experience unauthorized modifications to API configurations, user management settings, and overall service availability. The exposure of sensitive information could lead to regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1548 should prioritize immediate implementation of IBM's security patches and updates as released through official IBM security advisories. Organizations must ensure all affected IBM API Connect instances are updated to versions that address the identified access control weaknesses. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous user behavior patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough access control reviews, implement principle of least privilege configurations, and establish robust audit logging for administrative activities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar access control weaknesses within the broader API management ecosystem. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and establish strict monitoring protocols for sensitive data access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper access management within enterprise API platforms, as these systems often serve as gateways to critical organizational data and services.