CVE-2018-1932 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.4 is affected by a vulnerability in the role-based access control in the management server that could allow an authenticated user to obtain highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 153175.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1932 affects IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.4, specifically targeting the role-based access control implementation within the management server component. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the system's authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing authenticated users to escalate their privileges and access sensitive information beyond their intended permissions. The vulnerability exists within the core access control framework that governs user permissions and resource access within the API management platform.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of user roles and permissions within the management server's authentication system. When authenticated users interact with the API Connect management interface, the system fails to properly enforce role-based access controls that should restrict access to sensitive operational data and administrative functions. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation where users with lower-level permissions can potentially access highly sensitive information including system configurations, user credentials, and administrative controls that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly impacts the integrity of the access control model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on IBM API Connect for their API management needs. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to critical system information that would enable further attacks, including potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The exposure of sensitive data through compromised access controls could lead to data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and complete compromise of the API management platform. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and substantial financial losses due to the unauthorized access to confidential information. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where API Connect serves as a central management point for multiple applications and services.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM API Connect versions that address this vulnerability, which are typically version 5.0.9.0 and later. System administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews to identify and remediate any existing unauthorized access patterns. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a specific implementation weakness in the authorization framework that could be exploited through techniques categorized under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics. Regular security assessments and access control audits should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the API management infrastructure.