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 due to improper control of generation of code.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:45.943Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:45.943Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability involves an improper control of generation of code within IBM API Connect, specifically impacting versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.\nThe flaw allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.\nThe vulnerability represents a critical security risk as it bypasses intended functional restrictions, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the underlying application environment.\nSuccessful exploitation requires the attacker to hold valid authentication credentials for the API Connect instance.\nThe impact includes the ability to execute unauthorized commands with the privileges of the application process, potentially resulting in data exfiltration, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.\nOrganizations using the specified versions should prioritize remediation efforts to mitigate the risk of unauthorized code execution.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is rooted in the improper handling and generation of code within the IBM API Connect framework. This flaw indicates that the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate input that influences the generation or execution of dynamic code constructs. When the system processes specific inputs during its normal operations, it fails to enforce strict boundaries, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code patterns that the system subsequently evaluates or executes.\nThe attack flow begins with the attacker establishing a legitimate, authenticated session with the IBM API Connect platform. Once authenticated, the attacker identifies a functional path or interface that leverages the vulnerable code generation mechanism. By crafting a specific, malformed request, the attacker passes data that is misinterpreted by the backend component responsible for code generation. This data acts as a payload that alters the logic of the dynamically generated code, effectively injecting arbitrary instructions into the execution stream.\nBecause the system inadvertently trusts this user-supplied input when constructing executable routines, it executes the injected code with the permissions and security context of the API Connect service process. This behavior allows for the bypass of security policies and logic enforcement mechanisms inherent to the product. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE classifications related to improper control of generation of code, highlighting a fundamental failure in safe code construction practices.\nThe scope of impact for this vulnerability is significant, as it grants an attacker command execution capabilities at the application layer. Post-exploitation, the attacker may perform unauthorized operations such as accessing sensitive configuration files, modifying API definitions, interacting with internal databases, or establishing persistent backdoors. Given the nature of API Connect, the compromise could potentially extend to the APIs being managed, depending on the architecture and the privileges afforded to the service account.\nThe vulnerability persists across IBM API Connect versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2. Exploitation does not require physical access or local network proximity, provided that the management interfaces are exposed over the network and the attacker can successfully authenticate, making this a remote exploit scenario."
}