CVE-2002-1577 in SAP
Summary
by MITRE
SAP R/3 2.0B to 4.6D installs several clients with default users and passwords, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via the (1) SAP*, (2) SAPCPIC, (3) DDIC, (4) EARLYWATCH, or (5) TMSADM accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1577 represents a critical security flaw in SAP R/3 systems ranging from version 2.0B through 4.6D where the software installation process includes several default user accounts with predictable and easily guessable passwords. This issue falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and default credential vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified as high-risk security concerns in enterprise systems. The affected accounts include SAP*, SAPCPIC, DDIC, EARLYWATCH, and TMSADM which are all system-level accounts with elevated privileges that can be exploited by unauthorized users to gain significant control over the SAP environment. These default credentials are typically well-documented within security communities and are often the first targets for attackers attempting to compromise SAP systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of SAP R/3 across a significant timeframe, indicating a widespread and long-standing security issue that was not adequately addressed by the vendor during the development lifecycle.
The technical flaw manifests through the installation process itself where SAP R/3 systems are deployed with pre-configured accounts that lack proper password policies and authentication controls. These accounts are designed to provide initial access for system administrators during the setup phase but are not properly disabled or secured after installation. The default passwords for these accounts are often static, well-known values that are frequently published in security databases, documentation, and vulnerability assessment tools. This creates an attack surface where remote adversaries can simply attempt authentication using these known credential combinations without requiring any sophisticated exploitation techniques. The accounts mentioned in the vulnerability description each serve specific functions within the SAP ecosystem, with SAP* typically being a system administrator account, DDIC representing the Data Dictionary account, and the other accounts providing access to various system monitoring and management functions. The combination of these default accounts with their predictable passwords creates a scenario where attackers can gain unauthorized access to critical system functions and potentially escalate privileges to full administrative control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as these accounts provide access to sensitive system configurations, data, and management functions that can be leveraged for further attacks. An attacker who successfully authenticates using these default credentials can potentially access confidential business data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or even establish persistent access to the environment. The vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where initial access through one of these accounts can be used to gain deeper system access and control. This risk is compounded by the fact that these default accounts are often left enabled and active in production environments, particularly in older SAP installations where security hardening practices were not as prevalent. Organizations running SAP R/3 systems in this vulnerable range face significant exposure to data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, especially in environments where SAP systems handle sensitive financial or operational data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use these accounts as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data exfiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability by disabling or changing the passwords for all default accounts that are not actively required for system operation. The recommended approach includes conducting comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all SAP R/3 systems within the environment and verifying which default accounts remain enabled. Security hardening procedures should be implemented to ensure that default accounts are either disabled entirely or have strong, unique passwords that are not part of any known credential databases. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit access to SAP systems to only authorized users and systems. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments and monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities related to these accounts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a clear violation of security best practices that should be addressed through proper configuration management and access control policies. The remediation efforts should also include updating system documentation and ensuring that future SAP installations follow proper security hardening guidelines to prevent similar issues from occurring in new deployments.