CVE-2026-17280 in API Connect
Summary
by MITRE • 11/07/2026
IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 could allow a remote attacker to perform unauthenticated brute-force attacks to obtain valid credentials due to improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2026
The vulnerability identified in IBM API Connect versions ranging from 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 represents a critical security deficiency related to the implementation of authentication controls. This flaw allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to conduct brute-force attacks against user credentials without triggering adequate defensive mechanisms. The core technical issue lies in the improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, which means that the application fails to enforce rate limiting or account lockout policies effectively during login processes. Consequently, an adversary can automate high-volume password guessing campaigns with minimal risk of detection or temporary blockage, significantly lowering the barrier for unauthorized access.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns directly with CWE-307, which describes Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts. This category encompasses scenarios where systems do not limit the number of login attempts within a specific time frame, allowing attackers to bypass security controls through sheer volume rather than exploiting complex code logic errors. Furthermore, in terms of offensive tactics and techniques mapping, this behavior corresponds to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1110, specifically sub-technique T1110.001 for Brute Force. The lack of effective throttling mechanisms enables attackers to systematically test large dictionaries of common passwords or previously leaked credential sets against the API management platform's authentication endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the nature of IBM API Connect as a central hub for managing, securing, and monitoring APIs in enterprise environments. If an attacker successfully obtains valid credentials through brute force, they gain access to sensitive administrative functions or user-level capabilities depending on the compromised account role. This can lead to unauthorized modification of API definitions, exposure of backend data sources, manipulation of traffic policies, or complete compromise of the API gateway infrastructure. In a production environment, such unauthorized access could result in significant data breaches, service disruption, and loss of integrity for all APIs managed through the platform. The absence of multi-factor authentication enforcement exacerbates this risk, as password-only credentials are often susceptible to automated cracking tools that can test thousands of combinations per minute.
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations must prioritize immediate patching by upgrading IBM API Connect to a version where these access control flaws have been addressed. In addition to software updates, implementing robust rate limiting policies at the network or application layer is essential to restrict the number of authentication requests allowed from a single IP address within a given timeframe. Enforcing strong password complexity requirements and mandating multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts can further reduce the likelihood of successful credential compromise. Security teams should also monitor logs for anomalous spikes in failed login attempts, which serve as indicators of ongoing brute-force activity, and configure alerts to trigger immediate investigation or automated blocking responses when thresholds are exceeded.