CVE-2026-9074: IBM API Connect SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2026-9074 Overview

CVE-2026-9074 is an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability affecting IBM API Connect. The flaw resides in the password reset functionality and can be exploited over the network without authentication or user interaction. Affected versions include IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.9 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.0.3. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read and modify data stored in the API Connect database, compromising confidentiality and integrity of the platform.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can inject arbitrary SQL statements through the password reset endpoint without credentials, exposing sensitive API Connect data and account information.

Affected Products

IBM API Connect 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.9
IBM API Connect 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.0.3
Password reset component of IBM API Connect

Discovery Timeline

2026-07-08 - CVE-2026-9074 published to NVD
2026-07-09 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-9074

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-9074 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] within the password reset functionality of IBM API Connect. The password reset endpoint is reachable prior to authentication, which expands the attack surface to any network client that can reach the management interface. Attackers can supply crafted input that alters the structure of backend SQL queries executed by the application.

Because the injection occurs in an unauthenticated flow, attackers do not need valid API Connect credentials or prior access. Successful injection can expose account records, tokens, API metadata, and other data stored by the platform. The vulnerability also allows modification of data, which can be leveraged to alter account state or manipulate password reset workflows.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied input incorporated into a SQL query within the password reset handler. Input passed to the reset flow is concatenated into query logic instead of being bound through parameterized statements. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended query context and append attacker-controlled SQL.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires only network access to the API Connect management or user-facing password reset endpoint. An attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing SQL payloads in fields consumed by the reset routine. The backend then executes the injected query against the API Connect database, returning or modifying data based on the attacker's payload.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the vendor advisories for authoritative technical details: IBM Support Page - Advisory 7278218 and IBM Support Page - Advisory 7278909.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-9074

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual HTTP requests to password reset endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION, or SELECT.
Unexpected database errors or stack traces returned from API Connect password reset flows.
Password reset requests originating from unfamiliar IP ranges or automated user agents.
Anomalous read or write activity against API Connect user and account tables outside normal administrative windows.

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server and reverse proxy logs for password reset requests containing SQL injection patterns and encoded variants.
Correlate password reset traffic with database query logs to identify statements that deviate from templated queries.
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) signatures targeting SQL injection payloads against the API Connect reset endpoint.
Alert on high-frequency password reset attempts from single sources, which may indicate automated exploitation.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose access logging on the API Connect management interface and forward logs to a centralized SIEM.
Monitor database audit logs for queries against user tables originating from the password reset service account.
Track outbound connections from API Connect hosts to detect data exfiltration following exploitation.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-9074

Immediate Actions Required

Apply IBM's security fixes for API Connect as documented in the referenced advisories.
Restrict network access to the API Connect password reset and management endpoints to trusted networks where feasible.
Review password reset and authentication logs for signs of prior exploitation.
Rotate credentials, API keys, and tokens managed by API Connect if compromise is suspected.

Patch Information

IBM has published remediation guidance in the referenced advisories. Upgrade IBM API Connect beyond the affected ranges of 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.9 and 12.1.0.0 through 12.1.0.3 per the fixed versions listed by IBM. See IBM Support Page - Advisory 7278218 and IBM Support Page - Advisory 7278909 for supported upgrade paths.

Workarounds

Place the API Connect password reset endpoint behind a WAF configured to block SQL injection payloads until patches are applied.
Limit exposure of the management interface to internal networks or VPN-accessible ranges only.
Temporarily disable self-service password reset functionality where administratively feasible until fixes are deployed.

bash

# Example WAF rule concept to block obvious SQLi payloads on the reset path
# (adapt syntax to your WAF platform)
location /password-reset {
    if ($args ~* "(union|select|--|';|/\*|xp_)") {
        return 403;
    }
    proxy_pass http://api-connect-backend;
}