Description

IBM API Connect 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:26.430Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:26.430Z",
  "executiveSummary": "IBM API Connect versions 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 are susceptible to a critical SQL injection vulnerability. This flaw stems from the improper neutralization of special characters within SQL commands, allowing a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL statements against the backend database.\nThe vulnerability represents a significant security risk, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure, modification, or destruction of critical system information. By injecting malicious SQL payloads, an attacker can bypass standard input validation mechanisms to interact directly with the underlying database management system.\nExploitation requires the attacker to possess authenticated access to the target environment. Given the nature of SQL injection, the impact could extend to complete compromise of the database integrity and confidentiality. Organizations using the affected versions of IBM API Connect are advised to assess their exposure and implement defensive measures to prevent unauthorized database interactions.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is classified as an SQL injection flaw occurring within the application's input processing layer. The root cause is the failure to adequately sanitize or parameterize user-supplied input before it is incorporated into database queries. By failing to neutralize special elements, the application allows an attacker to alter the intended logic of SQL statements.\nThe exploitation process follows a specific flow: first, an attacker authenticates to the IBM API Connect environment to gain access to the interface. Once authenticated, the attacker identifies input fields or parameters that are processed by the backend database without sufficient sanitization. The attacker then constructs a malicious payload containing SQL commands—such as 'UNION SELECT', boolean-based inference queries, or error-based manipulation—to manipulate the query structure.\nWhen this payload is submitted, the application executes the injected code within the context of the database service account. Because the application logic fails to distinguish between data and control plane instructions, the database interprets the attacker's input as legitimate commands. This allows the attacker to query tables, extract sensitive credentials or configuration data, and potentially modify or delete records within the database.\nThe vulnerable component is within the data handling functions of IBM API Connect versions 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2. The attack vector is strictly network-based, leveraging the application's existing protocols to transport the malicious payloads. Because the vulnerability requires an authenticated user, the attacker must have a valid session, though the scope of the exploit depends on the permissions assigned to the authenticated user's session.\nPost-exploitation, the impact is severe. An attacker may escalate privileges, exfiltrate the entirety of the database content, or disrupt service availability by dropping tables or executing resource-intensive queries. The flaw highlights a systemic failure in input validation where dynamic SQL construction remains susceptible to command manipulation. Comprehensive remediation requires moving toward parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input is treated strictly as data, never as executable code."
}