CVE-2016-6146 in TREX
Summary
by MITRE
The NameServer in SAP TREX 7.10 Revision 63 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive TNS information via an unspecified query, aka SAP Security Note 2234226.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6146 affects SAP TREX NameServer component version 7.10 Revision 63, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that exposes sensitive TNS (Transparent Network Substrate) data to remote attackers. This flaw resides within the network communication layer of SAP's enterprise search and analytics platform, where the NameServer service fails to properly validate incoming queries, allowing unauthorized access to internal network information that should remain protected. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms within the TNS protocol implementation, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through an unspecified query mechanism that enables attackers to craft specific requests to the NameServer service. When processed, these queries trigger the server to return detailed TNS information including network configuration parameters, service endpoints, and potentially other sensitive metadata that could aid in subsequent attack phases. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-200, Information Exposure, where sensitive system information is inadvertently disclosed to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as attackers can use the leaked information to map network topology and identify potential targets for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked TNS information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including network reconnaissance, service enumeration, and potential privilege escalation attempts. Attackers can leverage the exposed network details to craft more targeted attacks against other systems within the same network segment, potentially bypassing security controls that rely on network isolation. The vulnerability affects organizations using SAP TREX 7.10 Revision 63 implementations, particularly those with complex network architectures where TNS information could reveal critical infrastructure details. Organizations may experience increased risk of lateral movement attacks and enhanced attack surface exposure when this information is combined with other reconnaissance data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6146 should prioritize immediate implementation of SAP Security Note 2234226 which provides specific patches and configuration recommendations to address the information disclosure vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the NameServer service, limiting exposure to trusted network segments only. Regular security assessments should include verification of TNS information disclosure through automated scanning tools, ensuring that no sensitive data is exposed through network services. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive audit logging of all NameServer interactions to support incident response activities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within enterprise network services, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.