CVE-2018-2450 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
SAP MaxDB (liveCache), versions 7.8 and 7.9, allows an attacker who gets DBM operator privileges to execute crafted database queries and therefore read, modify or delete sensitive data from database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
SAP MaxDB liveCache represents a critical database management system that serves as the foundation for enterprise data storage and retrieval operations within SAP environments. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2450 specifically targets versions 7.8 and 7.9 of this database system, creating a significant security risk for organizations that depend on its functionality. This flaw manifests when an attacker successfully acquires DBM operator privileges, which grants them elevated access rights within the database environment. The vulnerability operates at the database query execution layer, where crafted malicious queries can be constructed to manipulate sensitive data through unauthorized read, modify, or delete operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the database management system. When DBM operator privileges are compromised, attackers can leverage this access to execute specially crafted database queries that bypass normal security controls. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that aligns with CWE-269, which addresses improper privileges for critical resources. The flaw essentially allows an attacker with operator-level access to perform actions that should be restricted to database administrators or higher-privileged users, creating a pathway for data exfiltration, data corruption, and unauthorized modifications to critical business information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete database system infiltration and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. Organizations utilizing SAP MaxDB liveCache versions 7.8 and 7.9 face significant risks including potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including network-based exploitation or through compromised accounts that have been granted DBM operator privileges. Attackers can systematically extract confidential data, modify critical business records, or delete essential database components, leading to business continuity issues and potential financial losses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2450 should focus on immediate patching of affected SAP MaxDB liveCache versions, along with comprehensive privilege management reviews. Organizations must implement strict access controls and ensure that DBM operator privileges are granted only to trusted personnel with legitimate business requirements. The principle of least privilege should be enforced across all database access points, and regular security audits should validate that privilege assignments align with operational needs. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust database security controls, as referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's database access and privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect and alert on suspicious query execution patterns, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts and supporting incident response capabilities.