CVE-2019-4402 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect 2018.1 through 2018.4.1.6 developer portal could allow an unauthorized user to cause a denial of service via an unprotected API. IBM X-Force ID: 162263.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4402 affects IBM API Connect versions 2018.1 through 2018.4.1.6, specifically within the developer portal component. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized users to disrupt service availability by exploiting an unprotected API endpoint. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms within the portal's API framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to initiate denial of service attacks. The affected system operates under the assumption that certain API endpoints are properly secured, but in reality, these endpoints remain accessible to unauthenticated users.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper authorization checks on specific API endpoints within the developer portal. When an unauthorized user accesses these unprotected API resources, they can trigger resource exhaustion conditions that consume system resources and ultimately lead to service disruption. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and specifically demonstrates how inadequate authentication mechanisms can enable unauthorized system interactions. The attack vector involves sending crafted requests to the vulnerable API endpoints, which then process these requests without proper validation, leading to resource consumption that degrades or halts system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire API management infrastructure. Organizations relying on IBM API Connect for their API governance and developer portal services face significant risks including service unavailability, potential data exposure, and operational downtime. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it directly enables attackers to deny legitimate users access to critical API management services. System administrators may experience increased monitoring overhead as they attempt to identify and mitigate the unauthorized access patterns, while legitimate developers and users lose access to essential portal functionalities during attack periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4402 require immediate implementation of proper access controls and authentication enforcement across all API endpoints within the developer portal. Organizations should implement robust API gateway security measures including mandatory authentication, rate limiting, and comprehensive access control policies that align with NIST SP 800-53 security requirements. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous API access patterns. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to sensitive API endpoints, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with critical system resources. Security teams should also consider implementing API usage analytics and behavioral monitoring to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish baseline normal usage patterns for effective anomaly detection.