CVE-2018-2382 in Internet Graphics Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the SAP internet Graphics Server, 7.20, 7.20EXT, 7.45, 7.49, 7.53, could allow a malicious user to store graphics in a controlled area and as such gain information from system area, which is not available to the user otherwise.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2382 affects SAP internet Graphics Server versions 7.20, 7.20EXT, 7.45, 7.49, and 7.53, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security boundaries of SAP environments. This vulnerability resides within the graphics server component that handles internet graphics processing and rendering, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access through controlled storage mechanisms. The flaw specifically enables malicious actors to exploit the graphics storage functionality to gain access to system areas that should remain restricted to authorized users, effectively bypassing traditional access control mechanisms that protect sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the graphics server's file handling mechanisms. When users submit graphics content through the internet Graphics Server, the system processes and stores these files in designated areas without proper verification of access permissions or content integrity checks. This weakness creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the storage process and place graphics files in locations where they can subsequently retrieve restricted system information. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper access control and insecure file handling practices, allowing attackers to exploit the graphics server's legitimate functionality for malicious purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2382 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access system areas that may contain sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or other privileged information. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can enable further exploitation attempts such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this access to gather intelligence about the SAP environment, identify system configurations, and potentially discover additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader infrastructure. The attack vector typically involves crafting specific graphics files that, when processed by the server, trigger the storage mechanism to place data in accessible locations.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected SAP internet Graphics Server versions. Organizations must also review and tighten access controls around graphics storage directories, implement proper input validation for all graphics submissions, and conduct regular security assessments of SAP environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging and T1083 for file and directory discovery, indicating the potential for both information gathering and system reconnaissance activities. Network segmentation and monitoring of graphics server communications should be enhanced to detect anomalous file storage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.