CVE-2018-2402 in HANA
Summary
by MITRE
In systems using the optional capture & replay functionality of SAP HANA, 1.00 and 2.00, (see SAP Note 2362820 for more information about capture & replay), user credentials may be stored in clear text in the indexserver trace files of the control system. An attacker with the required authorizations on the control system may be able to access the user credentials and gain unauthorized access to data in the captured or target system.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2402 affects SAP HANA systems that utilize the optional capture and replay functionality, specifically versions 1.00 and 2.00. This flaw resides within the control system's indexserver trace files where user credentials are inadvertently stored in clear text format. The issue stems from inadequate credential handling practices during the capture and replay operations, creating a persistent security risk that extends beyond the immediate operational context of these features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper storage of authentication credentials within trace files generated by the indexserver component of SAP HANA's control system. When capture and replay functionality is enabled, the system generates detailed trace logs that contain sensitive information including user credentials. These credentials are stored without encryption or obfuscation, making them immediately accessible to any entity with appropriate authorization levels to access the trace files. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with sufficient privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of SAP HANA systems that rely on capture and replay for diagnostic and operational purposes. An attacker with access to the control system and appropriate authorization levels can extract these clear text credentials from the trace files and use them to gain unauthorized access to the captured or target systems. This creates a potential for lateral movement within the network infrastructure and could lead to complete compromise of the affected SAP HANA environment, particularly when credentials are elevated or administrative in nature.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the capture and replay functionality when not actively required for diagnostics, ensuring proper access controls on trace file directories, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to these sensitive files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a classic case of insufficient data protection mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as it enables credential compromise through legitimate system access paths, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access using stolen credentials.
SAP addressed this vulnerability through the release of patches and updates that modify the credential handling behavior within the capture and replay functionality, ensuring that sensitive information is properly encrypted or masked before being written to trace files. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as regular audit of trace file access patterns, enforcement of least privilege principles for control system access, and deployment of security information and event management systems to monitor for suspicious activities related to credential exposure. The remediation process requires careful consideration of operational impact since capture and replay functionality is often essential for troubleshooting and system maintenance activities, necessitating a balanced approach to security and operational requirements.