CVE-2018-1638 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0-5.0.8.3 Developer Portal does not enforce Two Factor Authentication (TFA) while resetting a user password but enforces it for all other login scenarios. IBM X-Force ID: 144483.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1638 affects IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.3 Developer Portal implementations, representing a critical security weakness in the authentication framework that undermines the organization's overall security posture. This flaw specifically targets the password reset functionality within the portal environment, creating a significant attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability stems from inconsistent enforcement of multi-factor authentication protocols, where the system requires two-factor authentication for normal login scenarios but fails to mandate this security control during password reset operations. This inconsistency creates a dangerous gap in the authentication process that directly violates fundamental security principles and best practices established by industry standards including the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity framework.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the improper implementation of authentication controls within the IBM API Connect platform, specifically within the Developer Portal component that serves as the primary interface for users to access and manage API services. When users initiate a password reset request, the system erroneously bypasses the two-factor authentication requirement that should be enforced across all authentication pathways. This design flaw creates an exploitable condition where attackers can potentially leverage compromised credentials or social engineering techniques to reset user passwords without the additional security layer that should be present. The vulnerability operates at the application level authentication logic, where the system fails to properly validate that the password reset process adheres to the same security controls applied to regular login procedures, thereby creating an authentication bypass scenario that undermines the principle of least privilege and defense in depth.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive API management functionalities and associated data. Attackers exploiting this weakness could reset passwords for legitimate users and then access the Developer Portal to view, modify, or delete API configurations, user accounts, and other critical system resources. This vulnerability directly affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the API management environment, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt services, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access within the organization's API ecosystem. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where the Developer Portal serves as a gateway to enterprise APIs and where users may have elevated privileges or access to critical business applications, creating a potential pathway for lateral movement and escalation within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the enforcement of consistent authentication policies across all login and authentication scenarios, ensuring that password reset procedures require the same multi-factor authentication controls as regular login operations. The remediation process should involve updating the IBM API Connect platform to versions that address this specific vulnerability, while also implementing additional security controls such as account lockout mechanisms, enhanced monitoring of password reset activities, and regular security assessments of authentication workflows. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of protection including behavioral analytics to detect anomalous password reset patterns, enhanced logging and auditing of authentication events, and regular penetration testing to verify that authentication controls remain effective. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining consistent security controls across all authentication pathways and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive security testing that includes validation of authentication flows and access control mechanisms, aligning with the principles outlined in the CWE taxonomy for authentication weaknesses and the ATT&CK framework's authentication tactics.