CVE-2019-4202 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 5.0.0.0 and 5.0.8.6 Developer Portal is vulnerable to command injection. An attacker with a specially crafted request can run arbitrary code on the server and gain complete access to the system. IBM X-Force ID: 159123.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4202 affects IBM API Connect versions 5.0.0.0 and 5.0.8.6, specifically within the Developer Portal component. This represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system through specially crafted requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the portal's processing pipeline, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute command sequences directly on the server infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with complete system access, enabling them to manipulate, extract, or destroy sensitive information and system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that contain command sequences, which are then processed by the portal's backend without adequate security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged through the web interface of the Developer Portal, making it accessible to remote threat actors without requiring physical access to the system. This type of injection vulnerability typically occurs when application developers fail to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system command execution contexts.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of CVE-2019-4202 are severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing IBM API Connect. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the API management platform, potentially exposing sensitive API keys, user credentials, and business-critical data. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if such attacks occur, particularly given that API Connect is often used to manage enterprise-grade applications and services. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring special access rights or network proximity.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official IBM security patches and updates released to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the Developer Portal from untrusted networks, while also implementing robust input validation mechanisms at multiple layers of the application architecture. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider conducting comprehensive security assessments of their API management environments and implementing principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing command injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.