CVE-2013-6865 in Adaptive Server Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
SAP Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) 15.0.3 before 15.0.3 ESD#4.3, 15.5 before 15.5 ESD#5.3, and 15.7 before 15.7 SP50 or 15.7 SP100 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka CR732989.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2017
SAP Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise represents a critical database management system that serves as the backbone for numerous enterprise applications across various industries. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6865 affects multiple versions of this enterprise-grade database software, specifically targeting ASE versions 15.0.3 before ESD#4.3, 15.5 before ESD#5.3, and 15.7 before SP50 or SP100. This vulnerability constitutes a severe remote code execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to gain unrestricted system access, potentially compromising entire database infrastructures and the sensitive data they contain. The vulnerability was categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-74, which represents "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," indicating the underlying issue involves improper handling of special elements that could be exploited for code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from unspecified attack vectors within the database server's authentication and execution mechanisms, allowing authenticated users to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This flaw operates at the application layer, leveraging legitimate authentication processes to gain elevated privileges that should not be available to standard authenticated users. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive data, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the enterprise network. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple major versions of the software, indicating a fundamental flaw in the codebase rather than a localized issue. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to compromise database integrity, availability, and confidentiality, making it a high-priority target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors alike.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6865 manifests in severe business continuity and security risks for organizations relying on SAP Sybase ASE. Enterprises utilizing these vulnerable versions face potential data breaches that could expose sensitive customer information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the database server, making detection and mitigation more challenging. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to critical business applications, disruption of database services, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial penalties. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to cascading effects throughout enterprise IT infrastructure, as database servers often serve as central points of data access for multiple applications and business processes. Security teams must consider the vulnerability's potential for lateral movement within networks, as database servers frequently contain interconnected systems that could be compromised through this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6865 require immediate implementation of SAP's security patches and updates, specifically targeting the affected ESD and service pack versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and enforce strict authentication controls, including multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and continuous monitoring of database server activities can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerabilities in the database infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should develop and maintain incident response procedures specifically tailored to database security incidents, ensuring rapid detection and containment of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique emphasizes the need for comprehensive security controls that address both authentication and authorization mechanisms. Organizations must also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious SQL commands and unauthorized access patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security training for database administrators and application developers is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that could lead to credential compromise and subsequent exploitation of this vulnerability.