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 authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code and perform unauthorized administrative actions due to a path traversal vulnerability.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:28.037Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:28.037Z",
  "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 security flaw enables a remote, authenticated attacker to manipulate file paths, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and unauthorized administrative actions within the application environment.\nThe vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied input used in file system operations. By crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences, an attacker can escape intended directory boundaries to access or execute files outside of the defined application scope. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application process and perform sensitive administrative operations, undermining the overall security posture and integrity of the API management platform.\nThe risk is categorized as high, as it requires authenticated access but provides extensive control over the application server. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions as soon as they are made available by IBM to prevent potential system compromise and unauthorized data access.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is a path traversal flaw residing within the core request handling logic of IBM API Connect. It occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or validate file path parameters provided by authenticated users before passing them to internal file system APIs. In scenarios where the application performs file operations, it allows the injection of directory traversal sequences such as '../' to access arbitrary locations on the host file system.\nThe exploitation flow begins with a remote, authenticated attacker identifying a request parameter or endpoint that interacts with the underlying file system. By supplying a specially crafted payload—incorporating traversal sequences—the attacker can redirect the application's file-handling functions to operate on files outside the intended directories. This enables the attacker to read sensitive configuration files, overwrite legitimate application binaries, or inject malicious scripts into directories executable by the web server.\nOnce the attacker successfully achieves file manipulation, they may proceed to perform arbitrary code execution. This is typically achieved by uploading or modifying executable components, such as scripts or library files, which the application or the underlying system process then executes. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate administrative configuration files allows an attacker to escalate privileges or bypass existing access control mechanisms, effectively gaining unauthorized administrative control over the API Connect instance.\nThe vulnerability is restricted to the specific version ranges 10.0.8.0–10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0–12.1.1.2. The attack vector is strictly over the network and requires a valid authenticated session, meaning the exploit is not available to unauthenticated external entities. Post-exploitation, the attacker operates with the security context of the service account running the IBM API Connect software, which may lead to full system compromise if that service account possesses elevated OS-level privileges. The exposure is limited to systems running the vulnerable code base where input sanitization controls are absent or insufficient."
}