CVE-2018-2447 in Business Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (Launchpad Web Intelligence), version 4.2, allows an attacker to execute crafted InfoObject queries, exposing the CMS InfoObjects database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence platform version 4.2 contains a critical vulnerability in its Launchpad Web Intelligence component that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary InfoObject queries against the underlying CMS InfoObjects database. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the InfoObject query processing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to construct and submit crafted queries that bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw exists in the way the system handles user-supplied data when processing InfoObject requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access that could lead to information disclosure and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the InfoObject query execution engine where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed against the CMS database. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious query parameters that manipulate the underlying database access logic, effectively allowing them to retrieve sensitive information from the InfoObjects database without proper authentication or authorization. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that maps to CWE-20, Input Validation and Sanitization, and could potentially enable further exploitation through data exfiltration or privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically affects the Launchpad Web Intelligence interface where users interact with InfoObjects, making it accessible through standard web browser interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive business intelligence data stored within the CMS InfoObjects database. This could include proprietary business metrics, financial data, operational reports, and other confidential information that organizations rely on for strategic decision making. The exposure of such data could result in competitive disadvantages, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. Additionally, the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the attacker gains insight into the database structure and potentially identifies additional weaknesses within the SAP BusinessObjects ecosystem. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as the vulnerability enables both data access and reconnaissance activities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest SAP security patches and updates specifically addressing this vulnerability, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems, and enforcing strict input validation controls within the InfoObject query processing layer. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual query patterns, implementing database access controls and auditing mechanisms, and conducting thorough security assessments of the SAP BusinessObjects environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and input validation in enterprise business intelligence systems, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that address both application-level and database-level protection. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewall rules to detect and block suspicious InfoObject query patterns and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts.