CVE-2022-43922 in App Connect Enterprise Certified Container
Summary
by MITRE • 02/01/2023
IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container 4.1, 4.2, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, and 6.2 could disclose sensitive information to an attacker due to a weak hash of an API Key in the configuration. IBM X-Force ID: 241583.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43922 affects IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container versions 4.1 through 6.2, representing a significant security weakness in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of this enterprise integration platform. This containerized solution serves as a critical component for connecting disparate systems and applications within enterprise environments, making its security implications particularly concerning. The flaw manifests in how API keys are processed within the configuration management system, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive operational data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of a weak cryptographic hash function for API key storage and validation. When API keys are configured within the IBM App Connect Enterprise environment, they are processed through a hashing mechanism that does not provide adequate protection against reverse engineering or collision attacks. This weakness directly correlates to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of hashing functions. The inadequate hash strength allows attackers to potentially compute or guess valid API keys through brute force or rainbow table attacks, bypassing the intended security controls that should protect enterprise integration workflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to enterprise integration flows, data processing pipelines, and system configurations that are protected by these API keys. An attacker who successfully exploits this weakness could potentially manipulate integration processes, access sensitive business data, or disrupt critical enterprise operations. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information and potential modification of integration workflows. This risk is particularly elevated in environments where API keys are used to authenticate system-to-system communications, as the compromised keys could provide access to entire integration networks.
Organizations utilizing affected IBM App Connect Enterprise versions should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of available patches and updates from IBM, which address the weak hash implementation. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of their API key management practices, implementing additional monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in enterprise security systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1583.001, which covers the development of tools and techniques for credential access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication for critical API endpoints, enhanced logging and monitoring of API key usage, and regular security assessments of containerized integration platforms to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in other components of their enterprise infrastructure.