CVE-2018-1858 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.6 is vulnerable to cross-site request forgery which could allow an attacker to execute malicious and unauthorized actions transmitted from a user that the website trusts. IBM X-Force ID: 151256.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.6 contain a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability that enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery flaws in web applications. The flaw exists in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the API management platform, where the system fails to properly validate the origin of requests, allowing malicious actors to craft forged requests that appear legitimate to the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient anti-CSRF token validation within the API Connect administrative interfaces and user-facing endpoints. When users authenticate to the system, the application should verify that requests originate from legitimate sources and contain proper authentication tokens. However, in affected versions, this validation process is inadequate, enabling attackers to exploit the trust relationship between the web application and its users. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or send specially crafted requests that leverage the authenticated session of a legitimate user, thereby executing unauthorized operations without the user's knowledge or consent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using IBM API Connect, as it could allow attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including creating new user accounts, modifying existing configurations, accessing sensitive data, or even deleting API resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that API Connect serves as a central management platform for API services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise API ecosystems. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical API services that organizations depend upon for their digital operations.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves deploying proper anti-CSRF token mechanisms across all user-facing endpoints, ensuring that each request contains a unique, unpredictable token that is validated server-side before processing. Additionally, implementing proper session management practices, including secure cookie attributes and session timeout mechanisms, can help reduce the window of opportunity for attackers. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious request patterns and ensure that all systems are updated to the latest patched versions of IBM API Connect. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics, specifically targeting the exploitation of trust relationships within web applications to execute unauthorized actions.