CVE-2018-2437 in Internet Graphics Service
Summary
by MITRE
The SAP Internet Graphics Service (IGS), 7.20, 7.20EXT, 7.45, 7.49, 7.53, allows an attacker to externally trigger IGS command executions which can lead to: disclosure of information and malicious file insertion or modification.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2020
The SAP Internet Graphics Service represents a critical vulnerability within the SAP landscape that enables remote command execution through improperly validated user inputs. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including 7.20, 7.20EXT, 7.45, 7.49, and 7.53, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a wide range of SAP systems. The flaw exists in how the IGS component processes external requests, specifically allowing attackers to inject malicious commands through crafted input parameters that are then executed on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the service's processing pipeline, creating an attack surface that can be exploited without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of IGS command parameters that are directly passed to underlying system processes. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the affected SAP system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The command execution capability allows for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, file manipulation, and system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious command sequences that bypass normal input validation checks, leading to unauthorized code execution within the SAP environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Organizations running affected SAP versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to business-critical data, modification of financial records, and potential disruption of business operations. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior system compromise. The disclosure of sensitive information can include customer data, financial records, and proprietary business information, while malicious file insertion or modification capabilities can lead to persistent backdoors and further system infiltration. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of SAP security patches and updates released to address the specific command execution flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to SAP systems and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests. Input validation controls should be strengthened to prevent command injection attacks, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular monitoring of system logs can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing SAP's recommended security configurations and conduct regular vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in their SAP landscape. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data.