CVE-2023-47722 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2023
IBM API Connect V10.0.5.3 and V10.0.6.0 stores user credentials in browser cache which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 271912.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2024
This vulnerability affects IBM API Connect versions 10.0.5.3 and 10.0.6.0 where user credentials are inadvertently stored in the browser cache, creating a significant security risk for local users. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the authentication handling mechanism of the API management platform, as it violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and access control. When users authenticate to the IBM API Connect interface, their credentials are cached in a manner that allows unauthorized local access, potentially enabling privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication tokens and session management within the browser environment. The system fails to implement secure credential storage practices, allowing sensitive authentication data to persist in readily accessible browser cache storage areas. This design flaw enables a local attacker with access to the same system to retrieve cached credentials, effectively bypassing normal authentication controls. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-524, which addresses information exposure through cache manipulation, and CWE-312, concerning sensitive data exposure through improper data handling. The issue manifests as a failure to implement proper cache control mechanisms and secure credential management protocols that should prevent sensitive data from being stored in insecure locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the integrity of the entire API management infrastructure. An attacker with local access can leverage cached credentials to gain unauthorized access to protected APIs, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized modifications to API configurations. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the API management platform and creates opportunities for lateral movement within the network. The risk is particularly severe in environments where multiple users share the same system or where physical security controls are inadequate, as it eliminates the need for additional attack vectors such as network-based credential harvesting.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling browser caching for authentication pages, implementing proper cache control headers, and ensuring that all sensitive data is cleared from browser storage upon session termination. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to use secure HTTP headers such as Cache-Control and Pragma to prevent credential caching, along with implementing proper session management that invalidates cached credentials upon logout. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security reviews of all browser-based applications to identify similar credential storage issues, and implement regular security assessments aligned with NIST SP 800-53 security controls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics, specifically focusing on credential dumping and cache dumping techniques that attackers can exploit to compromise system integrity.