CVE-2018-1789 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect v2018.1.0 through v2018.3.4 could allow an attacker to send a specially crafted request to conduct a server side request forgery attack. IBM X-Force ID: 148939.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
IBM API Connect versions 2018.1.0 through 2018.3.4 contain a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability that enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by crafting malicious requests. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-918 category of Server-Side Request Forgery, where an attacker can induce the server to make unintended requests to internal or external systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the API gateway processes user-supplied input that is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in HTTP requests to backend services. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting requests that include malicious URLs or hostnames, potentially allowing them to access internal network resources that should remain protected from external access. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, access sensitive internal systems, or even escalate their privileges within the network environment. This type of attack can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where API gateways often serve as critical access points to backend services and databases. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol: DNS, where attackers may leverage DNS requests to bypass network restrictions and access internal resources. The impact extends beyond simple data exfiltration as it can enable attackers to perform lateral movement within the network, potentially leading to more severe compromise scenarios. Organizations using these vulnerable versions should immediately consider upgrading to patched releases or implementing network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to internal systems through the API gateway. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper request handling in API gateway implementations, as outlined in industry best practices for secure API development and deployment.