CVE-2016-6148 in HANA DB
Summary
by MITRE
SAP HANA DB 1.00.73.00.389160 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (process termination) or execute arbitrary code via vectors related to an IMPORT statement, aka SAP Security Note 2233136.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2019
SAP HANA Database version 1.00.73.00.389160 contains a critical vulnerability that enables remote attackers to achieve either denial of service conditions or arbitrary code execution through maliciously crafted IMPORT statements. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the database management system's input validation and processing mechanisms, specifically within the IMPORT functionality that handles data import operations from external sources. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of input parameters and lack of proper boundary checks during the import process, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the system through carefully constructed malicious inputs. The vulnerability impacts the database's core operational integrity and can lead to complete system compromise or service disruption.
The technical flaw manifests when the system processes IMPORT statements that contain malformed or specially crafted parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures and execution flow within the database engine. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the database's trust in incoming data without adequate validation, enabling attackers to inject malicious code or trigger buffer overflows that result in process termination or code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication for remote exploitation, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable system. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-78, which addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, the attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499 for endpoint denial of service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. When exploited successfully, attackers can terminate database processes, leading to denial of service that affects business operations and data availability. More critically, the arbitrary code execution capability allows threat actors to gain full control over the database server, potentially enabling them to exfiltrate sensitive data, modify database contents, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. Organizations running this vulnerable version of SAP HANA face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and sophisticated threat actors. The impact is especially severe in enterprise environments where SAP HANA systems often serve as central data repositories containing sensitive business and customer information.
Organizations should immediately apply the security patch referenced in SAP Security Note 2233136 to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the input validation issues in the IMPORT statement processing and implements proper boundary checks to prevent malicious input from causing system instability or code execution. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to SAP HANA systems, and strict firewall rules should be configured to restrict remote access to only authorized administrative personnel. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other instances of the vulnerable SAP HANA version within their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are in place. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched environment to verify that normal database operations remain functional while the security vulnerability is eliminated. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.