CVE-2015-4160 in ASE Database Platform
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in SAP ASE Database Platform allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors, aka SAP Security Notes: 2152278.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4160 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) Database Platform, a widely deployed enterprise database solution. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in software applications that process untrusted data. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database system, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. SAP ASE serves as a foundational component for numerous enterprise applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could affect organizations across multiple industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the database platform's query processing mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization checks. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that the flaw exists across multiple interfaces or application points within the SAP ASE platform, potentially including web interfaces, database client tools, or administrative APIs. This broad attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against. The vulnerability's classification as remote indicates that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it accessible from any network location.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4160 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data. Organizations running SAP ASE databases face significant risks including data breaches, financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system downtime. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation means that attackers could gain administrative access to database systems, enabling them to modify or delete critical data, create backdoor accounts, or extract sensitive information. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as exploitation typically involves identifying vulnerable database endpoints and crafting malicious payloads. The attack chain often begins with reconnaissance activities to identify SAP ASE installations followed by exploitation of the SQL injection vulnerability to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate patching and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations must prioritize applying the official SAP security patches referenced in SAP Security Note 2152278, which typically include database updates and code modifications to address the specific injection vectors. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to database systems, particularly limiting access to only necessary administrative interfaces and application servers. Database access controls should be strictly enforced through principle of least privilege, ensuring that database accounts have minimal necessary permissions. Input validation and parameterized queries should be implemented at all application layers that interface with the database to prevent injection attacks. Regular security assessments including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and database audit reviews are essential for identifying and addressing similar weaknesses. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect anomalous database activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while compliance with security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks should be maintained throughout the remediation process.