CVE-2025-13490 in App Connect Operator
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2026
IBM App Connect Operator versions CD 11.3.0 through 11.6.0 and 12.1.0 through 12.20.0, LTS versions 12.0.0 through 12.0.20, and IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Containers Operands versions CD 12.0.11.2‑r1 through 12.0.12.5‑r1 and 13.0.1.0‑r1 through 13.0.6.1‑r1, and LTS versions 12.0.12‑r1 through 12.0.12‑r20, contain a vulnerability in which the IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Container transmits data in clear text, potentially allowing an attacker to intercept and obtain sensitive information through man‑in‑the‑middle techniques.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2026
This vulnerability exists within IBM App Connect Operator deployments across multiple version ranges including 11.3.0 through 11.6.0, 12.1.0 through 12.20.0, and various LTS versions up to 12.0.20. The flaw specifically affects the IBM App Connect Enterprise Certified Containers which are designed to facilitate enterprise integration workflows. The security issue stems from the transmission of data in clear text format rather than implementing proper encryption mechanisms, creating a significant exposure point for sensitive information flowing through these containers. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles for data protection in transit and represents a critical gap in the cryptographic implementation of the platform. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, which is a well-documented weakness that has been consistently flagged across numerous security frameworks and compliance standards including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables man-in-the-middle attack vectors that can be exploited by adversaries positioned within the network infrastructure. Attackers with access to network traffic between the App Connect containers and their endpoints can intercept and decode sensitive information that should remain protected during transmission. This includes but is not limited to authentication credentials, business data, and integration payloads that flow through the enterprise integration platform. The vulnerability affects the core communication mechanisms of the containers, potentially allowing attackers to access confidential information that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the enterprise environment. The exposure is particularly concerning given that these containers are typically deployed in production environments where they handle critical business data flows and integration processes that are essential to enterprise operations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple network monitoring capabilities as it can be exploited by attackers with relatively low privileges who can position themselves within the network to capture traffic. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel, where adversaries can leverage clear text transmission to extract sensitive information. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can exploit the clear text transmission to gather information that can be used in social engineering attacks against personnel. Organizations using affected versions of IBM App Connect Operator should immediately assess their network configurations to determine if traffic interception is possible and implement additional network segmentation measures. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and secure by default configuration, as the containers are transmitting sensitive information without adequate cryptographic protection. Security teams should consider implementing network traffic monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns and potential interception attempts, while also planning for immediate remediation through version updates or alternative encryption mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of patches from IBM that address the clear text transmission issue, along with network-level protections such as implementing proper encryption protocols and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns. Organizations should also review their overall network security posture and consider implementing additional layers of protection including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and enhanced monitoring of container communications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and demonstrates the critical need for organizations to regularly assess their integration platform security configurations. Given the potential for data breaches and the ease with which this vulnerability can be exploited, immediate action is required to protect enterprise data assets and maintain compliance with industry security standards.