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. A user-supplied value can influence code that the product generates, which could lead to code execution.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:48.017Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:48.017Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability involves a critical flaw in IBM API Connect, classified as improper control of generation of code, which may allow for remote code execution (RCE).\nAffected product versions include IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.\nThe vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to manipulate generated code by supplying malicious values, potentially resulting in unauthorized execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the application process.\nThe risk is severe, as successful exploitation enables full control over the vulnerable service, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the API management infrastructure.\nExploitation requires the attacker to be authenticated to the target system; however, it does not necessarily require high-level administrative privileges, expanding the potential threat surface to any user with valid API Connect access.\nGiven the nature of the flaw, attackers can leverage this for lateral movement within the network or persistent backend compromise.",
  "technicalDetails": "The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure handling of user-supplied input during the internal code generation or dynamic compilation process within IBM API Connect.\nImproper control of generation of code occurs when the application accepts external, untrusted input and incorporates it into templates, scripts, or programmatic structures without sufficient sanitization or validation.\nWhen an attacker provides a maliciously crafted input value, the product's internal logic fails to differentiate between legitimate configuration parameters and executable code sequences.\nConsequently, the application interprets the injected data as part of the intended instruction set, leading to the execution of unintended commands at the system level.\nThe exploitation flow begins with the authenticated attacker identifying an input vector that influences the server-side code generation mechanism. By injecting syntactically valid code or language-specific delimiters, the attacker manipulates the downstream code processing engine.\nOnce the input is processed, the application runtime executes the newly generated, tainted code block. This execution occurs with the same permissions as the underlying API Connect service process, allowing the attacker to bypass access controls, manipulate API definitions, or perform unauthorized administrative actions.\nThis vulnerability affects IBM API Connect versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.\nThe flaw highlights a breakdown in input validation and secure coding practices surrounding dynamic code generation patterns. Because the vulnerability manifests during the interpretation or execution of generated code, typical input-based Web Application Firewalls may struggle to detect complex payloads without context-aware inspection of the internal data flow.\nPost-exploitation impact includes the potential for remote system command execution, data exfiltration from integrated backend services, and total compromise of the API Gateway node. As an authenticated exploit, it represents a significant risk from both external malicious actors who have gained valid credentials and malicious insiders."
}