Description

IBM API Connect 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to perform arbitrary file writes due to path traversal.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:47.057Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:47.057Z",
  "executiveSummary": "IBM API Connect versions 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2 are susceptible to a critical path traversal vulnerability.\nThis vulnerability allows a remote, authenticated attacker to perform arbitrary file write operations on the underlying filesystem.\nThe flaw stems from improper validation of user-supplied input used in file-related operations, enabling directory traversal sequences to bypass intended file system boundaries.\nSuccessful exploitation grants an attacker the ability to overwrite sensitive system files, modify configuration files, or inject malicious code, leading to potential remote code execution or complete system compromise.\nThe impact is significant, as it permits unauthorized modification of the application environment, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the API management infrastructure.\nExploitation requires a valid authentication session, limiting the threat to those who have obtained access to the platform.\nOrganizations are advised to restrict access to authenticated users and monitor for unusual file system write activity as an interim measure until remediation is applied.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal flaw residing within the file processing logic of IBM API Connect versions 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.\nThe root cause of the vulnerability is the insufficient sanitization of input parameters that influence file path resolution. When the application receives requests containing file path specifications, it fails to adequately strip or neutralize directory traversal sequences (e.g., '../').\nAn authenticated attacker can craft a malicious payload within a file upload or file modification request, utilizing these dot-dot-slash sequences to escape the designated application directory. This allows the attacker to navigate to arbitrary locations on the host server's filesystem.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the attacker establishes an authenticated session with the IBM API Connect interface. Second, the attacker identifies a component or function that interacts with the filesystem, such as a file management or configuration update endpoint. Third, the attacker submits a request containing a modified path string designed to traverse into restricted directories. If the backend processes this input without canonicalization or validation against a whitelist of permitted paths, the write operation is performed relative to the root directory rather than the intended subdirectory.\nThe scope of impact is broad; by overwriting sensitive files such as application configuration files, scripts, or binary files, an attacker can manipulate application logic. This can result in privilege escalation, the creation of persistent backdoors, or the execution of unauthorized commands if the attacker can modify executable files or environment scripts that are later invoked by the system.\nBecause this operation occurs in the context of the service account running the IBM API Connect software, the attacker inherits the filesystem permissions of that service. If the service is running with elevated privileges or has write access to critical configuration repositories, the potential for catastrophic system compromise is greatly increased.\nThe requirement for authentication acts as a deterrent against unauthenticated, opportunistic scanning; however, it remains a high-severity risk for environments where internal accounts may be compromised or where malicious insiders pose a threat to the platform's integrity."
}