IBM has disclosed a critical security flaw affecting its API Connect platform that could allow an attacker to bypass authentication controls and gain unauthorized access. The issue is tracked as CVE-2025-13915 and carries a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8, placing it in the highest severity tier. The weakness falls under CWE-305, which refers to authentication bypass stemming from defects in the primary authentication mechanism.
IBM published the CVE record on December 26, 2025 and states that the flaw can be exploited remotely without prior access or user interaction. This means an external attacker could potentially reach protected API Connect components as if authenticated.
Affected Versions
The vulnerability impacts the following API Connect releases:
- API Connect versions 10.0.8.0 through 10.0.8.5
- API Connect version 10.0.11.0
Other versions are not listed as affected in the CVE record or vendor advisory.
Severity and Risk
The CVSS vector assigned to CVE-2025-13915 is AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This reflects network reachability, low attack complexity, no credentials required, and high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Authentication flaws are especially dangerous because they undermine the core safeguard that separates legitimate users from outsiders. In environments where API Connect is used to manage critical API traffic, this exposure can extend well beyond the application itself.
Vendor Advisory and Remediation
IBM has released interim fixes through Fix Central. Customers are instructed to download the appropriate package, review the included Readme file, extract the installation archive, and apply the fix that corresponds to their deployed version.
For organizations unable to patch immediately, IBM advises disabling self-service sign-up within the Developer Portal. This reduces the accessible surface area for attackers while remediation work is pending.
IBM reports that there is currently no evidence of exploitation in the wild. Even so, the combination of remote access, lack of authentication requirements, and high-impact potential warrants prompt attention.
Product Context
API Connect is a lifecycle API management platform used worldwide across banking, aviation, technology, and enterprise IT. It supports the creation, publication, security enforcement, and monitoring of APIs deployed across cloud and on-premises environments. Any authentication weakness within such a platform has the potential to affect downstream services and data flows.
What Organizations Should Do
Organizations running the affected versions should retrieve and apply the interim fix without delay. Where possible, Developer Portal sign-up features should be restricted until the environment is fully updated. Security teams may also want to review access logs for unusual activity associated with API Connect components to confirm that no unauthorized access has occurred.
IBM’s official advisory and the CVE listing for CVE-2025-13915 provide further implementation guidance and version-specific details.
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