Description

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 overwrite arbitrary files due to a path traversal vulnerability.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.5",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:20.373Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:20.373Z",
  "executiveSummary": "IBM API Connect versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 are susceptible to a path traversal vulnerability. This flaw arises from improper validation of user-supplied input used in file operations.\nA remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to perform arbitrary file overwrites on the underlying host operating system. By injecting crafted directory traversal sequences (e.g., '../') into affected parameters, an attacker can escape the intended directory scope and write data to restricted locations.\nSuccessful exploitation compromises the integrity of the target system, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical configuration files, binary scripts, or system dependencies. This capability facilitates further escalation, such as remote code execution (RCE) or complete system compromise. The vulnerability poses a severe risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the IBM API Connect environment. Organizations should prioritize patching to the latest secure version to mitigate the risk of unauthorized file system manipulation.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability resides in the input sanitization logic governing file path resolution within IBM API Connect. The application fails to effectively neutralize directory traversal sequences provided by a remote user. When the system processes an incoming request containing malicious path components, the internal file system API fails to restrict the operation to the intended sandboxed directory.\nThe root cause is an insecure implementation of file input validation where the application logic trusts the integrity of the file path metadata provided in the request payload. Because the application does not validate or sanitize inputs against an allowed directory structure, the OS-level file write operation is directed to an attacker-controlled location outside the expected base directory.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: An attacker identifies an API endpoint or management function that accepts file path specifications or file upload operations. The attacker submits a malicious request containing a path traversal string (typically sequences like '../../' or absolute paths) within the filename or directory parameter. The application backend processes this payload without stripping the traversal characters. Consequently, the underlying system call, such as open() or write(), interprets the sequence and resolves the path to a sensitive file on the server. By providing the desired data within the request body, the attacker overwrites the target file with arbitrary content.\nThis vulnerability is particularly critical as it does not inherently require complex authentication if the affected endpoint is exposed to the public-facing management or gateway interface. The impact is dictated by the service account's privileges under which the API Connect process is executing. If the service process runs with elevated system or root privileges, the overwrite can target sensitive system configuration files, such as /etc/passwd, .ssh/authorized_keys, or executable binary files. By replacing legitimate binaries or configuration scripts, the attacker achieves persistence and remote code execution upon the next application or system restart.\nThis traversal flaw bypasses standard directory restrictions and exposes the host filesystem to direct manipulation, fundamentally breaking the separation between user-controlled data and critical system artifacts."
}