APIs power the modern digital enterprise, but when documentation and access points are left exposed, they can quickly become liabilities. A recent security review of a global semiconductor technology company uncovered multiple instances of publicly accessible API documentation—offering a potential roadmap for attackers. This blog breaks down the risks and explains how organizations in high-tech manufacturing can better safeguard their digital assets.
What Was Found
BeVigil WebApp Scanner identified several infrastructure-level exposures were identified, each increasing the risk of unauthorized access and exploitation:
- Exposed Documentation = Blueprint for Attack: API documentation helps developers—but if made public, it helps attackers just as much. With access to endpoint details and parameters, malicious actors can plan precisely how to interact with and exploit your backend systems.
- Authentication Tokens at Risk: Public Postman workspaces that include credentials or tokens allow attackers to act as legitimate users, potentially giving them unauthorized access to systems and data.
- Known Vulnerabilities Leave Systems Open: When outdated software components with known exploits are left in place, attackers don’t need to get creative—they just follow what’s already documented in public vulnerability databases.
Why It Matters
- Publicly Exposed Swagger Documentation
Swagger UI files were found online without access restrictions. These files provide a clear view of API endpoints, expected request formats, and authentication mechanisms—giving attackers detailed insight into how internal systems communicate.
- Open API Access via Postman Workspace
Even more concerning, API collections were accessible on a public Postman workspace—some potentially with authentication tokens still attached. This type of exposure can allow attackers to impersonate users or escalate access within systems.
- Outdated SAP Component with Known CVE
A known vulnerability (CVE-2022-22536) related to Memory Pipes was identified, which can cause denial-of-service conditions when exploited, threatening the stability of critical business systems.
What You Can Do Right Now
To protect against these types of exposures, here are a few practical, non-technical actions your team can take today:
- Keep Internal Documentation Private: Double-check that your API documentation (like Swagger files or Postman collections) is not publicly accessible. Only share it with people who truly need it.
- Remove Sensitive Tokens from Public Tools: Audit your Postman or SwaggerHub workspaces and remove anything that contains authentication tokens, user data, or internal system URLs.
- Use Access Controls by Default: Always assume that any documentation or tool might accidentally become public. Put password protection or access restrictions in place, even internally.
- Update Outdated Systems Promptly: Don’t delay patches for known issues—especially if they're publicly documented vulnerabilities. Attackers are watching for unpatched systems.
Final Thoughts
APIs are the building blocks of modern software—but when their documentation is left exposed, they become entry points for attackers. This recent case from a semiconductor technology firm serves as a reminder that what’s convenient for developers can also be convenient for cybercriminals.
By proactively scanning for exposures, tightening access controls, and maintaining up-to-date systems, organizations can drastically reduce their attack surface. With platforms like CloudSEK’s BeVigil, companies gain the visibility they need to find and fix these issues before they lead to a breach.