CVE-2015-1309 in Netweaver Abap
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity vulnerability in the Extended Computer Aided Test Tool (eCATT) in SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP 7.31 and earlier allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files via a crafted XML request, related to ECATT_DISPLAY_XMLSTRING_REMOTE, aka SAP Note 2016638.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2015-1309 represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP versions 7.31 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the Extended Computer Aided Test Tool eCATT component, which is designed for automated testing of SAP applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing XML data, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's XML parser through crafted requests. The affected function module ECATT_DISPLAY_XMLSTRING_REMOTE serves as the primary attack vector, enabling remote code execution and unauthorized data access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which classifies XML external entity processing issues that can lead to information disclosure, denial of service, and potentially remote code execution. The flaw operates by tricking the XML parser into processing external entities that reference local files on the server, thereby bypassing normal access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, including configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations running affected SAP systems, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical business data and system resources. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access or local network privileges to compromise the system. The vulnerability can be exploited to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, system configurations, and business data, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations may face significant regulatory compliance issues and data breach consequences when such vulnerabilities are exploited in production environments.
SAP has addressed this vulnerability through SAP Note 2016638, which provides specific patches and workarounds for affected systems. Organizations should immediately implement the recommended security fixes and apply the corresponding SAP notes to remediate the vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to SAP systems, disabling unnecessary XML processing capabilities, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious XML requests. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in enterprise application development, particularly when handling external data inputs such as XML documents.