CVE-2016-6149 in HANA
Summary
by MITRE
SAP HANA SPS09 1.00.091.00.14186593 allows local users to obtain sensitive information by leveraging the EXPORT statement to export files, aka SAP Security Note 2252941.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2019
SAP HANA represents a powerful in-memory database platform that serves as the backbone for enterprise data management across numerous organizations worldwide. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6149 specifically affects SAP HANA SPS09 version 1.00.091.00.14186593, presenting a significant security risk that could compromise sensitive organizational data. This flaw exists within the database's export functionality and demonstrates how seemingly routine administrative operations can become vectors for information disclosure attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the EXPORT statement implementation. Local users with legitimate database access privileges can exploit this weakness to export files that should remain restricted, thereby gaining access to sensitive information that was not intended for public viewing. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized data extraction through legitimate database administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal security boundaries that should protect confidential information within the database environment. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks where the system fails to properly validate user privileges before allowing file export operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence about database structure, user configurations, and potentially sensitive business data. An attacker leveraging this vulnerability could obtain database schema information, user credentials, or other confidential data that could facilitate further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure. The local nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require external network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly concerning for organizations with insufficient network segmentation or inadequate user privilege management. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of SAP Security Note 2252941, which provides the necessary patches and configuration changes to address the export functionality flaw. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive review of user permissions and database access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive export operations. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual export activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can track and alert on unauthorized file export operations, as this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting enterprise database infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, highlighting its potential for enabling further compromise of enterprise environments.