CVE-2011-5263 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in RetrieveMailExamples in SAP NetWeaver 7.30 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the server parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2017
The CVE-2011-5263 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in SAP NetWeaver 7.30 and earlier versions within the RetrieveMailExamples component. This vulnerability resides in the server parameter handling mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML content within the context of affected systems. The flaw specifically targets the input validation processes that should normally sanitize user-supplied data before processing, but fails to adequately filter or escape the server parameter input, thereby allowing malicious payloads to persist and execute when processed by the application.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a weakness in web applications that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The specific nature of this flaw in SAP NetWeaver demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create persistent security risks in enterprise application environments where user interaction is expected. The vulnerability operates through the standard XSS attack vector where an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code that gets executed in the victim's browser when the application processes the server parameter without proper sanitization. This creates a significant risk for organizations using SAP NetWeaver systems, as the attack can be executed remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute administrative functions within the compromised application context. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where SAP NetWeaver systems often handle sensitive business data and user authentication. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users, access confidential information, and potentially escalate privileges within the SAP environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain strict network segmentation or monitoring controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in server parameter handling within the RetrieveMailExamples component. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters before processing user input, combined with content security policies that restrict script execution within the application context. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads attempting to exploit XSS vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads that can persist and execute in user browsers, making it a critical component in broader attack chains that involve initial access and privilege escalation within enterprise environments.