CVE-2016-6144 in HANA
Summary
by MITRE
The SQL interface in SAP HANA before Revision 102 does not limit the number of login attempts for the SYSTEM user when the password_lock_for_system_user is not supported or is configured as "False," which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass authentication via a brute force attack, aka SAP Security Note 2216869.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6144 affects SAP HANA database systems prior to Revision 102, specifically targeting the SQL interface authentication mechanism for the SYSTEM user account. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the integrity of the authentication process by failing to implement proper account lockout mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the absence of login attempt limiting for the SYSTEM user when the password_lock_for_system_user parameter is either unsupported or explicitly configured as "False," creating an exploitable condition that enables unauthorized access through automated brute force attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the authentication subsystem of SAP HANA where the system fails to enforce account lockout policies for the privileged SYSTEM user. When the password_lock_for_system_user configuration is disabled or not supported, the system continues to accept login attempts without implementing any form of rate limiting or account lockout functionality. This configuration oversight allows malicious actors to repeatedly attempt various password combinations against the SYSTEM account without encountering any protective measures that would normally prevent such automated attack patterns. The vulnerability specifically targets the SQL interface which serves as the primary communication channel for database operations and authentication requests.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk exposure for organizations utilizing SAP HANA systems, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to compromise the most privileged account in the system. The SYSTEM user typically possesses administrative privileges that would allow full control over the database environment, including access to all data, configuration settings, and operational controls. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform systematic brute force attacks against the SYSTEM account, potentially gaining unauthorized administrative access to critical business data and systems. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of database integrity.
Organizations can address this vulnerability through several mitigation strategies that align with established cybersecurity frameworks and best practices. The primary remediation involves updating SAP HANA systems to Revision 102 or later, which includes the proper implementation of account lockout mechanisms for the SYSTEM user. Additionally, system administrators should configure the password_lock_for_system_user parameter to "True" to enable account lockout functionality when login attempts exceed predefined thresholds. This approach follows the principle of least privilege and aligns with the security controls recommended in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog under CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of consecutive authentication attempts. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual authentication patterns and establish network-level controls to limit access to the SQL interface from trusted sources only. The mitigation strategy should incorporate elements of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on the credential access and defense evasion techniques that attackers might employ when exploiting such authentication weaknesses.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication configuration and access control implementation in enterprise database systems. The lack of account lockout mechanisms for privileged accounts represents a fundamental security gap that can be easily exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The security note 2216869 referenced in the vulnerability description provides specific guidance for system administrators to properly configure their SAP HANA environments to prevent such attacks. The incident underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and timely patch management to protect against known vulnerabilities that could provide attackers with direct paths to system compromise and data access.