CVE-2016-7402 in ASE
Summary
by MITRE
SAP ASE 16.0 SP02 PL03 and prior versions allow attackers who own SourceDB and TargetDB databases to elevate privileges to sa (system administrator) via dbcc import_sproc SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise represents a critical database platform that serves as the backbone for numerous enterprise applications across various industries. The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-7402 specifically targets versions 16.0 SP02 PL03 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this database system. This flaw exists within the database's privilege escalation mechanisms and particularly affects environments where attackers have already gained access to SourceDB and TargetDB databases, demonstrating a sophisticated attack vector that requires initial compromise before achieving system-level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the dbcc import_sproc SQL injection functionality. When executing database commands through the dbcc import_sproc interface, the system fails to adequately sanitize user inputs, allowing malicious SQL code to be injected and executed with elevated privileges. This injection occurs during the processing of database commands that import stored procedures, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the execution context where database operations are performed, enabling attackers to manipulate the execution flow and gain unauthorized access to system administrator privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the database server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized modifications, system disruption, and further lateral movement within the network. The attack requires only that the adversary already possess access to the SourceDB and TargetDB databases, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access controls are insufficient or where initial compromises have occurred through other attack vectors. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to bypass normal access controls and achieve system-level administrative privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest SAP security patches and hotfixes to address the vulnerability in SAP ASE 16.0 SP02 PL03 and prior versions. Network segmentation and database access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential compromise, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database activity patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any unauthorized access to SourceDB and TargetDB databases, as the vulnerability requires pre-existing access to these specific databases to be exploited. The mitigation strategy should also include implementing proper input validation mechanisms and ensuring that database administrators follow the principle of least privilege when assigning database access rights.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which describes SQL injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is used to construct SQL queries without proper sanitization. The attack pattern corresponds to T1078 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, representing valid accounts as a method for gaining initial access and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL injection attempts and unauthorized privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust database access controls as foundational security measures in enterprise environments.