CVE-2015-5067 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) Cross-System Tools and (2) Data Transfer Workbench in SAP NetWeaver have hardcoded credentials, which allows remote attackers to obtain access via unspecified vectors, aka SAP Security Note 2059659 and 2057982.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5067 affects SAP NetWeaver components including Cross-System Tools and Data Transfer Workbench, representing a critical security flaw that has significant implications for enterprise IT infrastructure. This vulnerability stems from the presence of hardcoded credentials within the SAP NetWeaver platform, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects core system integration tools that facilitate data exchange between different SAP systems and external environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access within enterprise networks.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of hardcoded usernames and passwords within the application code or configuration files of SAP NetWeaver components. These credentials remain static and unchanged throughout the system lifecycle, providing attackers with permanent access credentials that are not subject to regular rotation or security auditing. The hardcoded nature of these credentials means that they are typically stored in plain text or easily reversible formats within the application binaries or configuration files, making them accessible to anyone with sufficient access to examine the system components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software applications, and represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices that violates industry security standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5067 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated attacks through multiple vectors including lateral movement, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Attackers can leverage these hardcoded credentials to access sensitive enterprise data, manipulate system configurations, and potentially establish backdoor access for future exploitation. The vulnerability affects both internal and external attack surfaces since the hardcoded credentials may be discoverable through various reconnaissance techniques, including network scanning, code analysis, and public information gathering. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where SAP NetWeaver systems are exposed to untrusted networks or where attackers have already gained initial access through other means.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that SAP NetWeaver systems typically serve as central integration points within enterprise architectures, connecting multiple business applications and databases. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially move laterally throughout the network, accessing other systems that may not have the same level of security controls. The attack surface is further expanded because these tools are often deployed in production environments where they have elevated privileges and access to critical business data. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and T1566 which involves credential harvesting, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive security frameworks and threat detection capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5067 require immediate remediation actions including the implementation of SAP security notes 2059659 and 2057982, which provide specific patches and configuration changes to address the hardcoded credential issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected SAP NetWeaver components and ensure that all hardcoded credentials are properly removed or replaced with dynamically generated authentication mechanisms. System administrators must implement regular security audits to detect any recurrence of hardcoded credentials and establish robust credential management policies that prevent such issues in future deployments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, privilege least privilege principles, and enhanced monitoring to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched components to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce compatibility issues with existing business processes while maintaining the integrity of the enterprise's SAP infrastructure.