CVE-2018-2011 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 2018.1 through 2018.4.1.5 could allow an attacker to obtain sensitive information from a specially crafted HTTP request that could aid an attacker in further attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 155150.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2011 affects IBM API Connect versions 2018.1 through 2018.4.1.5, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that could enable attackers to extract sensitive system data through carefully crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability falls under the category of information exposure, which is classified as CWE-209 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, indicating that the system inadvertently reveals internal information that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists within the API Connect gateway component where HTTP request processing fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming requests, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate request parameters to access unauthorized data. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in API gateway environments where the system serves as a central point for API management and security enforcement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the IBM API Connect processing pipeline. When malformed HTTP requests are submitted to the system, the gateway fails to adequately filter or reject suspicious request patterns, allowing the system to respond with internal information that should remain confidential. This could include system paths, internal configuration details, database connection strings, or other sensitive metadata that would typically be hidden from external access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the HTTP protocol level, making it accessible through standard network traffic analysis and potentially exploitable through automated scanning tools. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through normal HTTP communication channels, making it difficult to detect and mitigate.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, system compromise, or targeted attacks against other system components. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain insights into the internal architecture of the API gateway, potentially identifying other weaknesses in the system or discovering patterns that could lead to further exploitation. This information disclosure could also facilitate attacks against the underlying infrastructure, as the leaked data might reveal database credentials, system configurations, or network topology information. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the API Connect system's defense-in-depth strategy, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where API gateways serve as critical infrastructure components managing thousands of API calls per second and handling sensitive business data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest supported versions of IBM API Connect where the issue has been resolved, implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to API gateway endpoints, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their API gateway configurations to identify any other potential information disclosure vulnerabilities and ensure proper input validation is implemented throughout the system. The mitigation strategy should align with the ATT&CK framework's information gathering techniques, specifically targeting the discovery of system information that adversaries might leverage for further attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous HTTP request patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented controls effectively prevent unauthorized information disclosure and maintain the integrity of the API gateway infrastructure.