CVE-2018-2468 in Adaptive Server Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Under certain conditions the backup server in SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE), versions 15.7 and 16.0, allows an attacker to access information which would otherwise be restricted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise ASE represents a critical enterprise database platform that serves as the backbone for numerous financial and business-critical applications. The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-2468 specifically targets the backup server component within ASE versions 15.7 and 16.0, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. This issue manifests when certain conditions are met within the backup server functionality, allowing unauthorized information access that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability resides in the server's access control mechanisms during backup operations, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive data without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical flaw in CVE-2018-2468 stems from insufficient validation of access controls within the backup server module. When backup operations are initiated under specific circumstances, the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks that would normally prevent unauthorized users from accessing restricted backup data. This weakness creates an information disclosure vulnerability that aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect backup data from unauthorized access, potentially exposing database credentials, sensitive business information, or system configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of the database backup and recovery processes that organizations rely upon for business continuity. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to complete backup sets containing sensitive information, potentially leading to data breaches that affect thousands of users and organizations. The risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where ASE serves as the primary database platform for mission-critical applications, as compromised backup data could provide attackers with comprehensive information about database structures, user credentials, and system configurations. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to database backup information that should remain protected.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-2468 should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations including applying the latest SAP security patches and updates specifically designed to address this access control weakness. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to backup server components, and strict access controls should be implemented for all backup operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of their backup systems to identify any unauthorized access attempts and implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual backup activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise database environments, as the backup server component represents a potential attack vector that could provide adversaries with comprehensive access to organizational data. Regular security assessments should be performed to ensure that backup server configurations comply with security best practices and that proper access controls are maintained throughout the database infrastructure.