CVE-2015-6664 in Mobile Platform
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the application import functionality in SAP Mobile Platform 2.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly have other unspecified impact via crafted XML data, aka SAP Security Note 2152227.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2017
The vulnerability CVE-2015-6664 represents a critical XML external entity injection flaw discovered in SAP Mobile Platform 2.3's application import functionality. This weakness falls under the CWE-611 category of XML External Entity Processing and specifically targets the processing of XML data within the mobile platform's import mechanisms. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the XML parser behavior by introducing external entity references that can be exploited to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects the core import functionality that handles application data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to extract sensitive information from the system.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability occurs when the SAP Mobile Platform processes malformed XML data containing external entity declarations during the application import process. Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads that reference external entities pointing to local files, enabling them to read sensitive data such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources. The vulnerability allows for potential information disclosure and can be leveraged to gain insights into the underlying system architecture and potentially escalate privileges. The impact extends beyond simple file reading as the flaw may enable attackers to perform additional malicious activities through the XML processing pipeline.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using SAP Mobile Platform 2.3 as it provides remote attackers with a means to bypass traditional security controls and access sensitive data without requiring authentication. The attack surface is broad since the import functionality is typically designed to accept various data formats from different sources, making it challenging to implement comprehensive input validation. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. Organizations relying on this platform face increased risk of unauthorized data access and potential system disruption, particularly when applications are imported from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6664 should focus on implementing proper XML parser configuration to disable external entity processing and DTD (Document Type Definition) resolution. Organizations should apply the SAP security note 2152227 patches immediately and configure the platform to reject XML data containing external entity declarations. Network segmentation and input validation controls can provide additional defense layers, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual XML processing patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which involves data from information repositories, and organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for import functionality. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar XXE vulnerabilities in other SAP components and third-party applications within the environment.