CVE-2015-3995 in HANA DB
Summary
by MITRE
SAP HANA DB 1.00.73.00.389160 (NewDB100_REL) allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via an IMPORT FROM SQL statement, aka SAP Security Note 2109565.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2017
SAP HANA Database version 1.00.73.00.389160 contains a critical file disclosure vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the underlying operating system through malicious IMPORT FROM SQL statements. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in SAP's database management system that directly impacts data confidentiality and system integrity. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the database's import functionality, allowing authenticated users to manipulate file paths and read sensitive system files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring special privileges beyond standard database authentication credentials. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential information such as database credentials, system configuration files, application source code, and other sensitive data stored on the same system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software security. The attack vector specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for Data Staged, as it enables the unauthorized extraction of data from the target system. The vulnerability affects SAP HANA systems running the specified version and requires authentication to exploit, but once successful, provides attackers with extensive access to system files and potentially sensitive business data. Organizations using this version of SAP HANA are at risk of data breaches and compliance violations due to the unauthorized access to critical system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the IMPORT FROM SQL statement processing logic of SAP HANA's database engine. When an authenticated user submits an IMPORT FROM statement with crafted file paths, the system fails to properly validate the input parameters against allowed file access boundaries. This validation failure allows attackers to specify absolute file paths or manipulate relative paths to traverse the file system and access files outside of the intended import directory. The vulnerability exists because the database system does not adequately sanitize or restrict the file paths specified in import operations, creating an opportunity for path traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this by crafting SQL statements that reference system files such as /etc/passwd, database configuration files, or application-specific data files. The lack of proper file access controls and input sanitization creates a direct pathway for information disclosure that can be leveraged for further attacks including privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and access restricted resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3995 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability face risks of regulatory non-compliance, financial losses, and reputational damage due to data breaches. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target systems from outside the corporate network, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. This vulnerability can lead to exposure of sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and business-critical information stored within SAP HANA databases. The impact is particularly severe for financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and other regulated industries that store sensitive data in SAP HANA systems. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to database credentials, system configuration details, and application code that could be used to launch additional attacks against the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also poses risks to compliance frameworks such as pci dss, hipaa, and gdpr, where unauthorized data access can result in significant penalties and legal consequences. Organizations may also face operational disruptions if attackers use this vulnerability to gain access to critical business data or to conduct reconnaissance activities that lead to more sophisticated attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security notes and patches to address the vulnerability in SAP HANA systems. The primary remediation involves updating to SAP HANA versions that contain the necessary security fixes and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database systems. Additional controls should include restricting database user permissions to the minimum required for business operations and implementing network access controls to limit remote access to database systems. Organizations should also deploy intrusion detection systems and monitor for suspicious database activity, particularly unusual import operations or attempts to access system files. Database administrators should conduct regular security assessments and implement proper input validation controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other database operations. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that database users have access only to the data and operations necessary for their specific roles. Regular security training for database administrators and IT staff is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful exploitation attempts. Monitoring and logging of database activities should be enhanced to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts promptly. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current security patches across all database systems to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.