CVE-2026-2606 in webMethods API Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2026
IBM webMethods API Gateway (on-prem) 10.11 through 10.11_Fix3210.15 to 10.15_Fix2711.1 to 11.1_Fix7 IBM webMethods API Management (on-prem) fails to properly validate user-supplied input passed to the url parameter on the /createapi endpoint. An attacker can modify this parameter to use a file:// URI schema instead of the expected https:// schema, enabling unauthorized arbitrary file read access on the underlying server file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2026
This vulnerability exists in IBM webMethods API Gateway and API Management products running on-premises versions 10.11 through 10.15_Fix2711.1 to 11.1_Fix7. The flaw resides in the /createapi endpoint where the url parameter undergoes insufficient validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the input by substituting the expected https:// schema with file:// URI scheme. This improper input validation represents a classic case of insufficient input validation vulnerability that aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation in software systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized arbitrary file read access against the underlying server file system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, credentials, and other critical system data.
The technical execution of this attack involves an attacker sending a malicious request to the /createapi endpoint with a modified url parameter that uses the file:// URI scheme instead of the legitimate https:// scheme. This modification bypasses the intended validation logic that should restrict the endpoint to only accept network-based URLs while permitting local file system access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to read any file accessible to the webMethods process, which could include sensitive files such as database connection strings, API keys, configuration files, and other system artifacts that are typically protected from direct network access. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal privileges to execute, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to escalate their access within the environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and lateral movement within the network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive information that may include authentication credentials, encryption keys, and business-critical configuration data. This access could enable further attacks such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or even the deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects organizations using on-premises installations of IBM webMethods products, which are commonly found in enterprise environments where sensitive data processing occurs. The exposure of file system contents could potentially reveal system architecture details that aid in planning more sophisticated attacks, making this a significant concern for organizations with strict compliance requirements and high-value data assets. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers could use the stolen information to establish persistent access or move laterally within the network.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting network access to the affected endpoints, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and conducting thorough security reviews of all API endpoints that handle user-supplied input. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to the vulnerable API gateway, and access controls should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to the management interfaces. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URI schemes in requests. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive file system audits to identify any potential compromise from previous attacks, and implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation in API security and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple parameter validation can have significant security implications when not properly implemented.