CVE-2015-2813 in Mobile Platform
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in SAP Mobile Platform allows remote attackers to send requests to intranet servers via crafted XML, aka SAP Security Note 2125358.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2018
The CVE-2015-2813 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within SAP Mobile Platform that exposes organizations to significant remote attack vectors. This vulnerability specifically affects the platform's handling of XML data structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's XML parser functionality. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML documents, allowing attackers to manipulate how external entities are processed during XML parsing operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers to initiate requests to internal network resources, effectively bypassing traditional network segmentation controls and potentially exposing sensitive internal systems to external reconnaissance and exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the XML processing libraries used by SAP Mobile Platform, where the system fails to properly restrict access to external resources during XML document parsing. When the platform processes crafted XML payloads containing external entity declarations, it inadvertently allows the parser to resolve and fetch content from internal network addresses or services. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which categorizes improper restriction of XML external entity reference as a critical weakness in data processing systems. The flaw operates by leveraging XML's ability to define external entities that can reference remote resources, and when these entities are resolved without proper validation, they provide attackers with a means to probe internal network infrastructure and potentially exfiltrate data or execute malicious operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates multiple attack surfaces for threat actors seeking to compromise SAP Mobile Platform environments. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform internal network reconnaissance, identify running services, and potentially escalate privileges within the internal network. The vulnerability's exploitation capability allows attackers to target intranet servers that might otherwise be protected by firewalls and network segmentation, effectively turning the SAP Mobile Platform into a potential attack staging ground. This represents a significant concern for organizations using SAP Mobile Platform, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication to the system itself, making it particularly dangerous in environments where internal network access is restricted.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patch application from SAP as outlined in Security Note 2125358. The primary defense mechanism involves configuring XML parsers to disable external entity processing entirely, which prevents the resolution of external references during XML parsing operations. Network-level controls should include firewall rules that restrict outbound connections from the SAP Mobile Platform to internal network resources, effectively limiting the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all XML data entering the system, ensuring that any external entity declarations are properly rejected or neutralized before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XML processing patterns and potential exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's methodology for preventing and detecting such processing-based attacks.