CVE-2017-15293 in POS
Summary
by MITRE
Xpress Server in SAP POS does not require authentication for file read and erase operations, daemon shutdown, terminal read operations, or certain attacks on credentials. This is SAP Security Note 2520064.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
SAP Xpress Server represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15293 within the SAP Point of Sale (POS) system landscape. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to fundamental server operations typically restricted to authenticated administrators. The flaw specifically affects the Xpress Server component which serves as a core element in SAP POS environments, managing various terminal and server interactions. Security researchers identified that the system fails to enforce proper authentication checks for several critical operations including file read and erase functions, daemon shutdown procedures, and terminal data retrieval processes. This authentication bypass vulnerability creates a significant risk exposure for organizations utilizing SAP POS solutions, as it allows malicious actors to perform operations that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability manifests through the absence of proper credential validation for operations that could potentially compromise system integrity, data confidentiality, and operational availability. According to SAP Security Note 2520064, this issue affects multiple versions of the SAP POS system where the Xpress Server component lacks adequate access control enforcement for essential administrative functions. The absence of authentication requirements for file operations particularly concerning read and erase capabilities presents a substantial risk of data manipulation, information disclosure, and potential system disruption. Attackers could exploit this weakness to access sensitive POS transaction data, modify critical system files, or terminate essential daemon processes that maintain system functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. This weakness category specifically addresses scenarios where applications fail to properly authenticate users before granting access to protected resources or functions. The operational impact of CVE-2017-15293 extends beyond simple data access, as it encompasses potential system compromise through daemon shutdown operations that could disrupt POS terminal functionality and terminal read operations that might expose sensitive transaction information. The vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors that align with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and privilege escalation domains. An attacker could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to POS terminal data, potentially compromising customer payment information and transaction records. The lack of proper authentication enforcement for credential-related attacks represents a particularly dangerous aspect of this vulnerability, as it could enable attackers to extract or manipulate authentication tokens and credentials stored within the system. Organizations using affected SAP POS systems face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, system downtime, and compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15293 should prioritize immediate implementation of SAP security patches and updates as referenced in SAP Security Note 2520064. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict direct access to Xpress Server components from unauthorized network segments. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of affected SAP POS systems and ensure proper authentication enforcement mechanisms are active. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to critical server operations and establishing robust credential management practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication architecture in critical business systems, particularly those handling sensitive transaction data. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for system administrators can help identify and remediate potential authentication weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that authentication mechanisms function correctly and that no regression issues have been introduced. Security teams must also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to address authentication bypass vulnerabilities that could lead to system compromise.