CVE-2018-2380 in SAP
Summary
by MITRE
SAP CRM, 7.01, 7.02,7.30, 7.31, 7.33, 7.54, allows an attacker to exploit insufficient validation of path information provided by users, thus characters representing "traverse to parent directory" are passed through to the file APIs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2025
SAP CRM versions 7.01, 7.02, 7.30, 7.31, 7.33, and 7.54 contain a critical directory traversal vulnerability that stems from inadequate validation of user-provided path information within the application's file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize or validate directory path inputs, allowing malicious users to inject special characters that represent parent directory traversal operations such as ".." or similar path manipulation sequences. The flaw exists at the core file API layer where user-supplied data is directly processed without sufficient sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that bypasses normal access controls and file system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate file system paths through user input fields that are subsequently processed by the underlying file APIs. When an attacker provides malicious input containing directory traversal sequences, these characters are not properly filtered or escaped before being passed to system file operations. This allows unauthorized access to files and directories that should otherwise be restricted, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive data, access configuration files, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the system's file permissions and the specific implementation details. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the file system's integrity by allowing bypass of normal file access controls through path manipulation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to unauthorized data access, information disclosure, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive customer data, business-critical files, and system configuration information that should remain protected. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web interfaces, API endpoints, or any user-facing application components that accept file path inputs. Organizations using affected SAP CRM versions face potential exposure to data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruption. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the vulnerability may enable attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access depending on the specific implementation and system architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. Organizations should deploy proper path validation routines that filter or reject directory traversal sequences before they reach the file system APIs. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of whitelisting for acceptable path characters and the adoption of safe file handling libraries can significantly reduce the risk. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, file system permissions, and regular security assessments will help prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider applying the official SAP security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while maintaining network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation within affected environments.