CVE-2018-1784 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 and 5.0.8.4 is affected by a NoSQL Injection in MongoDB connector for the LoopBack framework. IBM X-Force ID: 148807.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1784 affects IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 and 5.0.8.4, specifically targeting the MongoDB connector within the LoopBack framework. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized data access and manipulation through malicious input injection techniques. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the MongoDB connector component, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the system's database interaction mechanisms. The LoopBack framework's MongoDB connector serves as an intermediary between the API Connect platform and MongoDB databases, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the platform's data handling capabilities.
The technical implementation of this NoSQL injection vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into MongoDB query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can craft malicious input that manipulates the underlying MongoDB queries, potentially allowing them to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute unauthorized administrative commands. This type of injection attack leverages the flexible nature of NoSQL databases where query structures are often built using dynamic input, unlike traditional SQL databases with more rigid query syntax. The vulnerability specifically targets the MongoDB connector's handling of user input parameters, where unfiltered data enters the database query execution pipeline. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-94, which encompasses "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to injection flaws in database query construction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise information. Organizations utilizing IBM API Connect with affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system downtime. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, and modification of critical business information stored within the MongoDB instances. Attackers can potentially gain access to customer data, system configurations, and other sensitive information that the API Connect platform manages. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges to exploit, often allowing attackers to leverage existing legitimate user sessions or API access points to execute malicious queries against the backend database. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for "Data from Information Repositories" and represents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1784 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM API Connect installations to the latest supported versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within their MongoDB connector configurations, ensuring all user-supplied data undergoes proper filtering before database interaction. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable API Connect components to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing database query monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their API Connect deployments and review all database access patterns to ensure proper parameterization of MongoDB queries. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for database connections and regular security audits of API endpoints will further reduce the attack surface and potential impact of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.