CVE-2026-15435 in App Connect Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
IBM App Connect Enterprise 13.0.1.0 through 13.0.7.2, and 12.0.1.0 through 12.0.12.27 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to write arbitrary files on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in IBM App Connect Enterprise versions 12.0.1.0 through 12.0.12.27 and 13.0.1.0 through 13.0.7.2 that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system access through crafted URL requests containing dot-dot sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied URLs, allowing malicious actors to exploit path traversal patterns that bypass normal file system security boundaries. When an attacker submits a request with directory traversal sequences such as /../ or %2e%2e%2f, the application fails to properly validate these inputs before processing file operations, potentially enabling arbitrary file write operations on the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, both of which are categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework for insecure file handling practices. This flaw specifically manifests in the application's web interface or API endpoints that process file paths without adequate sanitization mechanisms, creating an attack surface where remote adversaries can manipulate system file operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the system, potentially allowing them to deploy malicious code, modify critical application components, or establish persistent access points within the environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations utilizing IBM App Connect Enterprise, as remote exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to write arbitrary files to sensitive directories, potentially gaining privileges equivalent to the application's execution context. The attack vector requires only a simple HTTP request containing malicious path sequences, making it easily exploitable by threat actors with basic web application penetration testing knowledge. Organizations may face data breaches, system availability disruptions, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure if this vulnerability is successfully exploited.
Security mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of vendor-provided patches or updates addressing the directory traversal vulnerability in affected IBM App Connect Enterprise versions. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be implemented to restrict access to application endpoints, particularly those handling file operations or user-supplied paths. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened at all application layers to properly sanitize URL parameters and reject any path traversal sequences before they reach file system operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts can provide additional protective layers. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including TA0001 Initial Access through Web Application Exploitation and TA0003 Persistence via File System Manipulation, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting enterprise environments from potential exploitation attempts.