CVE-2016-6856 in Hybris
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Inbox Search feature in Hybris Management Console (HMC) in SAP Hybris before 6.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the itemsperpage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2016-6856 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Hybris Management Console's Inbox Search functionality, specifically affecting SAP Hybris versions prior to 6.0. This issue resides in the HMC component that handles user interface interactions for managing system data, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on SAP Hybris for their commerce platform operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the itemsperpage parameter processing, which is used to control the number of items displayed per page in the search results. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing HTML or JavaScript code and injects it into the itemsperpage parameter of the Inbox Search feature. When the vulnerable system processes this input without proper sanitization, the injected code gets executed in the browser context of authenticated users who access the affected search functionality. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that directly enables XSS attacks. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the administrative interface where users typically have elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access and compromise sensitive business data.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6856 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the Hybris environment. Attackers could potentially steal user authentication tokens, access confidential business information, or manipulate the system's administrative functions through the compromised browser sessions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the HMC is used for critical business operations, as it could lead to unauthorized access to product catalogs, customer data, order information, and other sensitive business assets. The attack requires minimal user interaction, typically just visiting a malicious link or page containing the exploit, making it highly effective for widespread exploitation.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching of affected SAP Hybris installations to version 6.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities, enforcing strict content security policies, and conducting regular security testing of web applications can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and input validation. Regular security assessments and monitoring of the Hybris Management Console should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw demonstrates the critical need for continuous security maintenance in enterprise commerce platforms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls within administrative interfaces to limit the potential impact of such security breaches.