CVE-2016-3975 in Netweaver Java AS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors related to NavigationURLTester, aka SAP Security Note 2238375.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3975 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java version 7.4. This security weakness specifically affects the NavigationURLTester component, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the application's navigation functionality. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the web application's security posture by enabling attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially access sensitive user data or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the NavigationURLTester module, which suggests that the flaw exists in how the system handles URL parameters or navigation requests. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable application, get executed in the browser context of authenticated users. This type of vulnerability typically arises from improper handling of user input where data flows from external sources directly into web responses without adequate sanitization or encoding. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where the weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser context. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SAP NetWeaver AS Java serves as a foundational platform for numerous enterprise applications, making the impact of exploitation potentially widespread across organizational networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking attacks, steal authentication tokens, or manipulate application data flows. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector through web-based attacks means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system or elevated privileges. Organizations utilizing SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.4 are particularly at risk since the platform serves as a critical infrastructure component for enterprise business applications, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data and operational systems. The vulnerability's presence in navigation functionality also suggests that it could be exploited through various attack vectors including email links, web forms, or even through social engineering techniques that诱导 users to click malicious navigation links.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3975 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all navigation and URL handling components within SAP NetWeaver AS Java environments. Organizations must apply the official SAP security note 2238375 patches and updates released by SAP to address the specific vulnerability within NavigationURLTester. The implementation of proper content security policies, strict input sanitization, and output encoding practices forms the cornerstone of defense against such XSS attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, comprehensive user education regarding phishing and social engineering attacks that could leverage this vulnerability is essential. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following the principle of least privilege in enterprise application environments, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework where such vulnerabilities are categorized under web application attacks and session management flaws. Organizations should also conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in their SAP environments and other web applications.