CVE-2019-0333 in Business Intelligence Platform
Summary
by MITRE
In some situations, when a client cancels a query in SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform (Web Intelligence), versions 4.2, 4.3, the attacker can then query and receive the whole data set instead of just what is part of their authorized security profile, resulting in Information Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0333 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform, specifically affecting versions 4.2 and 4.3. This security weakness manifests during query cancellation scenarios where unauthorized data access occurs, fundamentally undermining the platform's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability exploits a design flaw in how the system handles query termination processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass established security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of query states during cancellation operations. When a client terminates a query in the Web Intelligence component, the system fails to properly enforce access controls and authorization checks that should normally restrict data exposure to only what is permitted within the user's security profile. This flaw operates at the intersection of improper access control and inadequate input validation, creating a scenario where cancelled queries can be re-executed or re-accessed in their entirety. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization enforcement mechanisms that should normally prevent users from accessing data beyond their granted permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the entire business intelligence platform's security architecture. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive business data, financial reports, customer information, and other confidential datasets that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. This information disclosure can lead to competitive disadvantage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on SAP BusinessObjects for decision-making processes, where unauthorized access to business intelligence data could significantly impact strategic planning and operational security.
Organizations affected by CVE-2019-0333 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security patches and updates, reviewing and strengthening access control policies, and monitoring for suspicious query cancellation activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced logging of query operations, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive user access reviews and privilege management to minimize the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.