CVE-2018-2449 in SRM MDM Catalog
Summary
by MITRE
SAP SRM MDM Catalog versions 3.73, 7.31, 7.32 in (SAP NetWeaver 7.3) - import functionality does not perform authentication checks for valid repository user. This is an unauthenticated functionality that you can use on windows machines to do SMB relaying.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2449 affects SAP SRM MDM Catalog versions 3.73, 7.31, and 7.32 running on SAP NetWeaver 7.3 platforms. This security flaw resides within the import functionality of the SAP Supplier Relationship Management Master Data Management module, specifically exposing a critical authentication bypass issue that undermines the system's security controls. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly validate user credentials before allowing access to repository import operations, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized users to gain system access without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the import functionality of the SAP SRM MDM Catalog component. When users attempt to perform import operations, the system does not validate whether the requesting user possesses legitimate credentials or authorization rights within the repository. This authentication gap allows attackers to exploit the system through unauthenticated access points, particularly leveraging SMB relay attacks on Windows-based systems. The flaw creates a persistent security weakness that can be systematically exploited by threat actors to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform SMB relay attacks against Windows machines within the network. This capability allows threat actors to leverage the compromised system to authenticate against other network resources, potentially enabling lateral movement throughout the enterprise network. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data exfiltration, system compromise, and unauthorized modification of master data within the SAP environment, representing a significant risk to business continuity and data integrity. Organizations utilizing affected SAP versions face potential exposure to sophisticated attack vectors that can bypass traditional network security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2449 should focus on immediate patching of affected SAP SRM MDM Catalog versions, with organizations implementing the latest security updates provided by SAP. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous import activities or SMB relay attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and lateral movement tactics. Security teams should also implement network-based controls such as SMB signing enforcement and disable unnecessary SMB services to reduce attack surface exposure. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities across the SAP ecosystem and ensure comprehensive protection against sophisticated attack methodologies.