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 commands due to OS command injection. User-supplied input is not properly neutralized before it is passed to the operating system, which could allow commands to run on the underlying host.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.9",
  "pubDate": "2026-11-07T05:18:56.460Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-11-07T05:18:56.460Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability is classified as an OS command injection flaw affecting IBM API Connect versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2.\nThe issue arises from the insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input before it is processed by the underlying operating system. An attacker with authenticated access can leverage this deficiency to execute arbitrary commands on the host environment.\nThe impact of successful exploitation is critical, potentially allowing for unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, or complete host compromise.\nBecause the vulnerability is exploitable by an authenticated remote actor, organizations should prioritize remediation to prevent lateral movement or further escalation within the infrastructure.\nRisk mitigation requires addressing the root cause by ensuring that all inputs passed to system-level functions are properly validated, sanitized, or handled through safe application programming interfaces that preclude shell execution.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability resides within the input processing mechanisms of IBM API Connect, where user-controlled parameters are passed to system-level commands without adequate neutralization.\nIn a standard OS command injection scenario, the application fails to treat input as literal data, allowing an attacker to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks to terminate the intended command and append malicious instructions.\nThe attack flow begins with the authenticated user interacting with an API endpoint or management interface that utilizes backend OS calls. By injecting crafted payloads into susceptible parameters, the attacker forces the underlying operating system to interpret these inputs as executable commands rather than intended arguments.\nAffected software versions include 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.12 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.1.2. The exploitation requires the attacker to have achieved an authenticated state, which serves as a prerequisite for reaching the vulnerable, internally-facing or management-exposed functional components.\nOnce the payload is processed, the system executes the attacker-defined commands within the security context of the service account running the API Connect processes. This privilege level often allows for broad interaction with the underlying filesystem, network configurations, and stored credentials.\nThe post-exploitation phase typically involves the attacker establishing persistence, performing reconnaissance on internal network segments, or exfiltrating sensitive configuration files and cryptographic material used for API security.\nThe root cause is identified as an improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, indicating a failure to adhere to secure coding practices such as using parameterized execution or explicit white-listing for input values."
}