CVE-2018-2007 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 2018.1 and 2018.4.1.2 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 155078.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2007 affects IBM API Connect versions 2018.1 and 2018.4.1.2, representing a critical cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of sensitive data transmissions. This issue stems from the implementation of cryptographic algorithms that fall below the expected security standards, creating exploitable gaps in the system's encryption framework. The vulnerability resides within the cryptographic module of the API management platform, specifically impacting how the system handles encryption and decryption processes for sensitive information flows.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of weakened cryptographic algorithms that fail to provide adequate protection against modern cryptanalytic attacks. This weakness allows adversaries to potentially decrypt sensitive information that should remain protected through strong encryption protocols. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as it compromises the fundamental security assumptions of the API Connect environment and could enable unauthorized access to confidential business data, user information, and proprietary system details. Attackers exploiting this weakness could leverage known vulnerabilities in the cryptographic implementation to reverse-engineer encrypted communications and extract valuable information.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM API Connect for their API management needs. The exposure of sensitive information through weakened cryptography could result in data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage. Security professionals must consider the potential for credential theft, service disruption, and unauthorized data access when assessing the impact of this vulnerability. The attack surface expands to include not only direct cryptographic attacks but also potential chain reactions that could compromise other system components through the exposure of sensitive data. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face increased risk of insider threats and external exploitation attempts targeting their API infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2007 should prioritize immediate updates to patched versions of IBM API Connect, as recommended by IBM security advisories. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of cryptographic operations and establish protocols for detecting potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process involves not only software updates but also thorough security assessments of existing encrypted data and re-encryption of sensitive information. Security teams should consider implementing additional protective measures such as network segmentation, enhanced access controls, and continuous monitoring of API traffic for anomalous patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1552 for unsecured credentials and T1041 for data compression and encryption. Organizations should also review their cryptographic implementation against industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 and ensure proper key management practices are implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other system components.