CVE-2019-4600 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM API Connect version V5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.7 could reveal sensitive information to an attacker using a specially crafted HTTP request. IBM X-Force ID: 167883.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
IBM API Connect v5.0.0.0 through 5.0.8.7 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to extract sensitive information through crafted HTTP requests, representing a significant security weakness in the API management platform. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws, where improperly handled input can lead to unauthorized data exposure. The flaw specifically relates to how the system processes certain HTTP requests, potentially allowing malicious actors to access internal system details, configuration information, or other sensitive data that should remain protected within the API gateway environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of incoming HTTP request parameters within the IBM API Connect framework. When processing requests containing specially crafted payloads, the system fails to properly filter or escape input data, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the request structure to extract unintended information from the underlying system. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malicious inputs to bypass security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in API management environments where sensitive data flows through the system, as it could potentially expose API keys, user credentials, internal service endpoints, or other confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack vector for more sophisticated exploits. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the API Connect deployment, potentially identifying system configurations, internal network structures, or other sensitive operational details that could be used for subsequent attacks. This weakness could enable adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities that would otherwise be blocked by proper input validation mechanisms, making it easier to plan targeted attacks against the API management infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it allows for the extraction of internal system information that would normally be restricted. Organizations using IBM API Connect in production environments face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential service disruption if this vulnerability is exploited.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability, as IBM has released fixes specifically designed to resolve the improper input handling that enables information disclosure. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and logging controls to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures should be reviewed and strengthened to limit potential damage from successful exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the applied patches to ensure that existing API functionality remains intact while addressing the information disclosure vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader API ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in API management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and API gateways with enhanced security features to provide additional protection layers against similar attack vectors.