CVE-2010-1609 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver 2004 before SP21 and 2004s before SP13 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1609 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within SAP NetWeaver 2004 systems prior to specific service packs. This vulnerability resides in the web application framework of SAP NetWeaver, specifically affecting versions 2004 before SP21 and 2004s before SP13. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into web applications, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the application could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may be accessible through various user interaction scenarios.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the SAP NetWeaver web interface components. When user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages, attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate or encode user input properly. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, exploiting the trust relationship between the web application and its users, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially access sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to impersonate legitimate users, gain unauthorized access to restricted application features, or redirect users to malicious websites designed to harvest credentials or deploy malware. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where SAP NetWeaver applications handle sensitive business data and user authentication. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection and T1531 for credential access through compromised applications.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by applying the appropriate service packs and patches released by SAP to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation across all user-facing web applications, implementation of proper output encoding mechanisms, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers, while security awareness training for administrators can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise application environments and demonstrates how even legacy systems can harbor significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation.