CVE-2015-2074 in BussinessObjects Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2021
The File Repository Server (FRS) CORBA listener in SAP BussinessObjects Edge 4.0 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a full pathname, aka SAP Note 2018681.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2074 resides within the File Repository Server component of SAP BusinessObjects Edge 4.0, specifically within its CORBA listener implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file operations on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path handling within the CORBA interface, which processes file operations through the File Repository Server. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious CORBA requests containing full pathnames that point to arbitrary locations on the target system, bypassing normal file access controls and permissions mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the CORBA listener fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied pathnames before processing file operations, allowing attackers to specify absolute paths outside of intended directories. This weakness enables attackers to write files to locations that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or data manipulation. The vulnerability specifically affects the File Repository Server's ability to properly validate file paths, making it possible for remote unauthenticated attackers to leverage this weakness from outside the corporate network.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2074 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to upload malicious files, modify existing system files, or create backdoor access points within the SAP environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using SAP BusinessObjects Edge 4.0 deployments where the File Repository Server is exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. The remote attack vector means that exploitation does not require local system access or prior authentication, making it especially dangerous for enterprise environments where SAP systems may be directly accessible from external networks. Organizations with inadequate network segmentation or insufficient firewall rules may find this vulnerability particularly exploitable, as the CORBA listener port remains accessible to external attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2074 should focus on both immediate patching and network-level controls. SAP released SAP Note 2018681 as part of their security advisory, which provides specific guidance for addressing this vulnerability through software updates and configuration changes. Organizations should prioritize applying the official SAP patches and updates as soon as possible, as these address the core path validation issues within the CORBA listener implementation. Network segmentation represents another critical defense measure, requiring that the File Repository Server CORBA listener ports be restricted to trusted internal networks only, preventing external access to this vulnerable interface. Additional protective measures include implementing strict firewall rules to block access to the CORBA listener ports from untrusted sources, disabling unnecessary services, and conducting thorough network monitoring to detect suspicious file operations or unusual access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when implementing CORBA interfaces that handle file system operations, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques that target path traversal vulnerabilities.