CVE-2015-7828 in HANA DB
Summary
by MITRE
SAP HANA Database 1.00 SPS10 and earlier do not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or have unspecified other impact via a TrexNet packet to the (1) fcopydir, (2) fmkdir, (3) frmdir, (4) getenv, (5) dumpenv, (6) fcopy, (7) fput, (8) fdel, (9) fmove, (10) fget, (11) fappend, (12) fdir, (13) getTraces, (14) kill, (15) pexec, (16) stop, or (17) pythonexec method, aka SAP Security Note 2165583.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-7828 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in SAP HANA Database versions 1.00 SPS10 and earlier. This issue stems from the database's failure to properly enforce authentication mechanisms for various file system operations and system commands, creating a significant security gap that remote attackers can exploit without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects the TrexNet protocol interface within SAP HANA, which serves as the communication layer for executing administrative and file operations. The absence of authentication requirements for these critical functions exposes the entire database system to unauthorized access and manipulation, fundamentally undermining the security posture of organizations relying on SAP HANA for their data management needs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exposure of seventeen distinct methods within the TrexNet interface that can be invoked without proper authentication. These methods encompass a broad range of file system operations including fcopydir, fmkdir, frmdir, fcopy, fput, fdel, fmove, fget, fappend, fdir, as well as system-level commands like getTraces, kill, pexec, stop, and pythonexec. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through these unauthenticated interfaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient authentication controls, which aligns with CWE-287, representing improper authentication issues in software systems. Attackers can leverage these exposed methods to perform operations such as file manipulation, process control, and system command execution, effectively granting them administrative privileges over the affected SAP HANA instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This remote code execution vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The exposure of system-level commands like kill and pexec allows attackers to terminate processes, execute programs, and potentially escalate privileges. Additionally, file system operations such as fdel, fmove, and fappend enable attackers to modify or delete critical system files, while fget and fdir operations can be used for reconnaissance and information gathering. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where SAP HANA serves as a central data repository, as successful exploitation could lead to significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. Organizations may face data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory penalties under standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected SAP HANA instances to the latest service packs and versions that address the authentication bypass issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to SAP HANA systems, particularly disabling external access to the TrexNet interface. The implementation of strong network access controls, including firewall rules and access lists, can help limit exposure to authorized personnel only. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of affected SAP HANA versions and ensure proper authentication mechanisms are enabled. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for both authentication hardening and behavioral monitoring. Regular security updates, proper access controls, and continuous monitoring of system activities are essential measures to protect against exploitation of this authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems and security information event management solutions to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.