CVE-2018-2448 in Business Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE
Admin tools in SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform, versions 4.1 and 4.2, allows an unauthenticated user to read sensitive information (server name), hence leading to an information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2448 affects SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform versions 4.1 and 4.2, specifically targeting administrative tools that are improperly configured to operate without authentication requirements. This flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive server metadata to unauthorized actors. The vulnerability exists within the platform's administrative interfaces where server name information is accessible without proper authentication mechanisms, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these business intelligence solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control measures within the administrative toolset of the SAP BusinessObjects platform. When users attempt to access certain administrative functions, the system fails to properly validate authentication credentials before returning sensitive information. This misconfiguration allows any remote attacker to retrieve server identification details including the server name without requiring valid login credentials or authorization. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring any prior access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the server name enables threat actors to craft more targeted attacks against specific system components, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities. The information disclosed through this vulnerability can be used to map network infrastructure, identify system configurations, and develop more effective attack vectors against the affected environment. This reconnaissance capability significantly weakens the overall security posture of organizations relying on vulnerable SAP BusinessObjects platforms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security patches and updates released to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to administrative interfaces from unauthorized networks. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms and access controls for administrative tools is essential. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1087.001 for account discovery, as attackers can use this information to identify and target specific system components. Regular security assessments and monitoring of administrative tool access should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities.