CVE-2019-0340 in Enable Now
Summary
by MITRE
The XML parser, which is being used by SAP Enable Now, before version 1902, has not been hardened correctly, leading to Missing XML Validation vulnerability. This issue affects the file upload at multiple locations. An attacker can read local XXE files.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0340 resides within the XML parser implementation of SAP Enable Now, a platform designed for creating and delivering digital learning content. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that has existed in versions prior to 1902, where the XML parser lacks proper hardening measures typically required to prevent malicious XML processing. The vulnerability manifests through insufficient validation mechanisms that should normally prevent dangerous XML constructs from being processed. The affected system operates by accepting file uploads at multiple locations, creating numerous potential attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit this weakness. This design flaw directly enables attackers to manipulate XML parsing behavior through carefully crafted input that bypasses normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under the category of XML External Entity processing, specifically enabling local file inclusion through XML External Entity attacks. When an attacker uploads a malicious XML file containing references to local system resources, the improperly configured XML parser will process these entities and potentially expose sensitive local files to unauthorized access. The vulnerability is classified as a Missing XML Validation issue, which maps directly to CWE-611 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing insufficient input validation of XML data. This weakness allows attackers to leverage XML parsing features to access local resources that should normally be protected from external access, effectively creating a path for information disclosure attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary local files on the system where SAP Enable Now is deployed. This could include sensitive configuration files, user data, system credentials, or other confidential information stored locally. The attack surface is particularly concerning due to the multiple file upload locations that exist within the platform, increasing the probability that an attacker can successfully exploit this weakness. The vulnerability essentially transforms the XML parser from a legitimate content processing tool into a potential information exfiltration mechanism, allowing adversaries to extract data that would normally remain protected within the system's local file structure.
Organizations utilizing SAP Enable Now prior to version 1902 face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it creates a persistent threat that can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack chains. The remediation approach should focus on upgrading to SAP Enable Now version 1902 or later, which includes proper XML parser hardening measures that address the missing validation controls. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around the affected system can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file upload patterns or attempts to access local system resources through XML processing. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for XML External Entity processing and T1074 for data staging, making it particularly dangerous in environments where it can be combined with other attack vectors to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.