CVE-2016-1911 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in SAP NetWeaver 7.4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors to the (1) Runtime Workmench (RWB) or (2) Pmitest servlet in the Process Monitoring Infrastructure (PMI), aka SAP Security Note 2206793 and 2234918.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2016-1911 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting SAP NetWeaver 7.4 systems, specifically targeting the Runtime Workbench (RWB) and Pmitest servlet components within the Process Monitoring Infrastructure. This vulnerability exposes organizations to significant security risks as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms in the affected SAP components, creating persistent entry points for malicious actors to exploit. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in enterprise environments where SAP systems handle sensitive business data and process monitoring functions that are integral to organizational operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that target the RWB and Pmitest servlets, which are part of SAP's Process Monitoring Infrastructure. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that are then executed when legitimate users interact with the affected web interfaces. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into web page content. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions within the SAP environment. The attack surface extends beyond simple script execution to include potential privilege escalation and data exfiltration scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1911 is substantial for organizations relying on SAP NetWeaver 7.4 systems, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential access to sensitive business processes. The affected Process Monitoring Infrastructure components are critical for enterprise monitoring and management functions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous when considering the potential for attackers to manipulate process monitoring data or gain unauthorized access to system controls. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also increases the risk of insider threat scenarios where attackers can leverage compromised user sessions to perform actions that appear legitimate within the system's audit trails.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1911 should prioritize immediate application of SAP security notes 2206793 and 2234918, which contain the necessary patches and configuration updates to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures across all SAP web interfaces, particularly focusing on the RWB and PMI components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable components, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential additional attack vectors. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK framework tactics including T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as these techniques are commonly employed in exploiting such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should enhance their web application firewall configurations and implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for administrators are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this and similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.