CVE-2025-0799 in App Connect Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2025
IBM App Connect enterprise 12.0.1.0 through 12.0.12.10 and 13.0.1.0 through 13.0.2.1 could allow an authenticated user to write to an arbitrary file on the system during bar configuration deployment due to improper pathname limitations on restricted directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2025
This vulnerability affects IBM App Connect Enterprise versions 12.0.1.0 through 12.0.12.10 and 13.0.1.0 through 13.0.2.1, presenting a critical security risk through improper pathname validation during bar configuration deployment processes. The flaw stems from insufficient restrictions on file path manipulation, allowing authenticated users to write to arbitrary locations on the system. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing malicious code through compromised file write operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes bar configuration files, which are deployment packages used in IBM App Connect Enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the bar file deployment phase where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths before writing configuration data to disk. An authenticated attacker with access to the deployment functionality can manipulate path variables to redirect file writes to sensitive system directories such as /etc, /usr/bin, or other critical locations. This improper validation allows attackers to overwrite existing system files, inject malicious code, or create backdoor access points within the application environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the legitimate deployment workflow, making it harder to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious bar files that contain specially formatted path references designed to bypass normal access controls and write to restricted directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access within the enterprise environment. Successful exploitation enables attackers to modify critical system components, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors that can survive system reboots. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM App Connect Enterprise for integration and automation workflows, potentially compromising data integrity and availability across interconnected systems. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive business data, disruption of integration services, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the application is deployed. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability operates within legitimate administrative functions, potentially evading detection by security tools that monitor for unusual network activity or file system modifications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application to the affected IBM App Connect Enterprise versions, with comprehensive network segmentation to limit access to deployment functions. Organizations should implement strict access controls and principle of least privilege for users who can perform bar configuration deployments, ensuring that only authorized personnel have the necessary privileges. The deployment process should include additional validation layers that verify all file paths before execution, implementing whitelist-based path validation to prevent arbitrary file write operations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system modifications, particularly in system directories, and to track deployment activities that might indicate malicious path manipulation attempts. System administrators should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar path traversal issues in other enterprise applications and ensure that file path validation mechanisms are properly implemented across all system components.