CVE-2015-7728 in HANA DB
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in user creation in the Web-based Development Workbench in SAP HANA DB 1.00.73.00.389160 (NewDB100_REL) allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the username, aka SAP Security Note 2153898.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2015-7728 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in SAP HANA Database's Web-based Development Workbench component, specifically affecting version 1.00.73.00.389160. This issue resides in the user creation functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user input, particularly the username field. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack vector that enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application's user interface. The flaw occurs during the user creation process where input validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious payloads from being stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the administrative functionality of the database system, providing attackers with a means to compromise the web interface and potentially escalate their privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the Web-based Development Workbench's user management module. When administrators or authorized users create new accounts through the web interface, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters in the username parameter. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets stored in the database and subsequently rendered in the web application's output. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages. The attack vector requires authentication since only authenticated users can access the user creation functionality, but once exploited, the malicious code can be executed in the context of other users' sessions, potentially leading to session hijacking or further privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the SAP HANA environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify user interface elements, or even execute commands in the context of the web application. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user with sufficient privileges to create new accounts, who then injects malicious code into the username field. When other users view the affected user list or interact with the user management interface, the injected script executes in their browsers, potentially compromising their sessions or allowing the attacker to perform unauthorized actions. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the SAP HANA system by creating potential entry points for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-7728 involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Web-based Development Workbench's user creation functionality. SAP addressed this vulnerability through Security Note 2153898 which provides specific patches and configuration recommendations to prevent XSS attacks in the affected version. Organizations should ensure that all user input, particularly in administrative interfaces, undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or rendered in web pages. The solution includes implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, validating input against allowed character sets, and ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for suspicious user creation activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security updates and patches to address similar vulnerabilities in other components of the SAP HANA ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation across all web interfaces within enterprise database systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of legitimate user sessions.