CVE-2016-1910 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
The User Management Engine (UME) in SAP NetWeaver 7.4 allows attackers to decrypt unspecified data via unknown vectors, aka SAP Security Note 2191290.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1910 resides within the User Management Engine component of SAP NetWeaver 7.4, representing a critical cryptographic weakness that enables unauthorized decryption of sensitive data. This flaw specifically affects the underlying encryption mechanisms used by the UME module, which is responsible for managing user identities and authentication processes within SAP environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms that allow attackers to exploit weaknesses in the data encryption and decryption processes, potentially compromising user credentials and sensitive business information stored within the system. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals tasked with protecting enterprise SAP deployments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through weaknesses in the cryptographic protocols governing data handling within the UME framework. Attackers can leverage this weakness to decrypt data that should remain protected, potentially accessing user authentication tokens, personal identification information, or other confidential data processed through the system. The vulnerability's classification as a cryptographic flaw aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in software implementations. The attack vectors likely involve manipulation of encryption keys, exploitation of weak cryptographic algorithms, or improper implementation of encryption routines within the UME module. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be exploited by both internal and external adversaries who gain access to the system through various means.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1910 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on SAP NetWeaver infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, leading to potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points and conduct extended surveillance operations, as demonstrated by patterns observed in the ATT&CK framework where cryptographic weaknesses enable adversary access to sensitive information. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, financial losses, and reputational damage if user data is compromised through this vulnerability. The interconnected nature of SAP systems means that exploitation of this weakness could potentially cascade through integrated business applications, amplifying the overall security impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1910 require immediate implementation of SAP Security Note 2191290, which provides specific patches and configuration adjustments to address the cryptographic weaknesses. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected SAP NetWeaver 7.4 versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure system stability and prevent operational disruptions. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and enhanced monitoring of user access patterns to reduce the overall attack surface and provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities.