CVE-2019-0334 in Business Intelligence Platform
Summary
by MITRE
When creating a module in SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform (BI Workspace), versions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, it is possible to store a malicious script which when executed later could potentially allow a user to escalate privileges via session hijacking. The attacker could also access other sensitive information, leading to Stored Cross Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0334 affects SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform versions 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, specifically within the BI Workspace module. This security flaw represents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts during module creation processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the platform's module creation functionality, allowing malicious actors to embed malicious code that persists within the system's database. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components responsible for handling user-generated content in business intelligence modules.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker creating a malicious module containing embedded scripts that can execute when other users interact with the compromised module. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists in the system's database and executes automatically when legitimate users access the affected module. This persistent execution capability enables attackers to perform session hijacking attacks by stealing session tokens or cookies, which can then be used to impersonate legitimate users and escalate privileges within the SAP environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with access to sensitive information and system resources that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0334 is severe and multifaceted, potentially compromising the entire SAP BusinessObjects ecosystem. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to confidential business intelligence data, financial reports, and other sensitive information stored within the platform. The privilege escalation capabilities mean that attackers could move from standard user accounts to administrative privileges, potentially gaining full control over the business intelligence platform and associated data repositories. This vulnerability directly violates several security principles including confidentiality, integrity, and availability as defined in the CIA triad, and can be classified under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter for initial access and T1078.004 - Valid Accounts for privilege escalation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-generated content within the BI Workspace module. The recommended approach involves implementing strict content filtering mechanisms that prevent the storage of executable scripts or malicious code within module definitions. Additionally, organizations should enforce robust session management practices including secure cookie attributes, session timeout mechanisms, and regular session token rotation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block suspicious script payloads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as SAP has released security patches addressing this specific flaw. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous module creation activities and unusual data access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of business intelligence modules to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.