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Critical Authentication Bypass Vulnerability in IBM API Connect (CVE-2025-13915)

January 5th, 2026

Critical

Our Cyber Threat Intelligence Unit is tracking a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in IBM API Connect, identified as CVE-2025-13915 and assigned a CVSS score of 9.8 (Critical). It allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and access API Connect application functions, facilitating interaction with APIs without valid credentials. Because API Connect is widely deployed as an enterprise API gateway and management platform, successful exploitation could expose backend services, allow unauthorized API operations, and erode core authentication and access-control guarantees across integrated systems. Although no in-the-wild exploitation has been reported to date, the low attack complexity and remote exploitability significantly elevate operational risk. Organizations that rely on IBM API Connect for application integration and API governance should treat this vulnerability as a high priority and apply interim fixes without delay. 

Technical Details

  • Attack Type: Authentication bypass leading to unauthorized access

  • CVE Tag: CVE-2025-13915

  • Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.1 score: 9.8)

  • Vulnerability Type: Authentication Bypass (CWE-305)

  • Affected Product: IBM API Connect (API management and gateway platform)

  • Affected Versions:

    • IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 – 10.0.8.5

    • IBM API Connect 10.0.11.0

  • Fixed Versions / Remediation Status:

    • IBM has released interim fixes (iFix builds) for all affected versions via IBM Fix Central, including:

      • iFix releases for 10.0.8.x

      • a dedicated iFix for 10.0.11.0

  • Root Cause: The issue results from improper enforcement of authentication checks, allowing a remote attacker to access portions of the application without valid credentials.

  • Exploitation Requirements:

    • Remote, network-based exploitation

    • No prior authentication required

    • No user interaction required

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Impact

If exploited, CVE-2025-13915 may permit:

  • Bypass of authentication controls protecting API management functions

  • Unauthorized access to APIs and backend application services

  • Potential data exposure and data manipulation

  • Abuse of trusted API integrations

  • Broader weakening of application security controls

  • Risk escalation where API Connect is centrally integrated across business systems

Detection Method

Organizations should consider the following detection and validation steps:

  • Version & Patch Review: Identify API Connect instances running affected versions and verify iFix application.

  • Authentication Log Monitoring: Flag unexpected successful logins or access without valid credentials.

  • API Traffic Anomaly Detection: Detect deviations from expected authentication and session flows.

  • Network Visibility & Remote Access Monitoring: Monitor inbound access to API Connect services, particularly from unknown sources.

  • Session Validation Auditing: Identify sessions granted access without normal credential validation.

  • Developer Portal Monitoring: Track unusual activity on self-service sign-up endpoints where enabled.

Indicators of Compromise

There are No Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for this Advisory.

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Recommendations

  • Immediate Actions:

    • Apply the IBM-issued interim fixes (iFix) on all affected systems

    • If patching is delayed, IBM recommends temporarily disabling self-service sign-up on Developer Portals

  • Risk Reduction Controls:

    • Restrict network exposure of API Connect to trusted networks/users only

    • Strengthen access controls around API management interfaces (e.g., MFA)

    • Continuously monitor authentication and API access logs

    • Validate API policies to ensure enforcement of authentication and session controls

    • Conduct targeted threat hunting for anomalous API activity

Conclusion

CVE-2025-13915 represents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in IBM API Connect that may allow remote, unauthenticated access to protected API functions. Given the central role of API gateways in enterprise architectures, their ease of exploitation, and their potential downstream business impact, this issue warrants urgent remediation. We urge organizations to take action: Promptly applying IBM’s interim fixes, combined with access restrictions and enhanced monitoring, will significantly reduce exposure and help prevent unauthorized API access.

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