CVE-2019-0341 in Enable Now
Summary
by MITRE
The session cookie used by SAP Enable Now, version 1902, does not have the HttpOnly flag set. If an attacker runs script code in the context of the application, he could get access to the session cookie. The session cookie could then be abused to gain access to the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0341 affects SAP Enable Now version 1902, representing a critical security flaw in the application's session management implementation. This issue stems from the improper configuration of session cookies that lack the HttpOnly flag, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The absence of this security measure fundamentally undermines the protection mechanisms designed to prevent client-side script access to sensitive session data.
The technical flaw manifests in the cookie attributes configuration where the HttpOnly flag is not properly set during session cookie creation. This flag serves as a crucial security barrier that prevents client-side scripting languages such as javascript from accessing cookie values through document.cookie API calls. Without this protection, any cross-site scripting vulnerability present in the application could be exploited to steal session identifiers directly from the victim's browser memory. The vulnerability falls under CWE-1004 which specifically addresses the lack of HttpOnly flag in cookies, making it susceptible to session hijacking attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to unauthorized access to user sessions within the SAP Enable Now environment. When combined with other vulnerabilities such as XSS exploits, an attacker could harvest session cookies and use them to impersonate legitimate users, gaining access to sensitive corporate training content, user data, and administrative functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SAP Enable Now is designed for enterprise training and collaboration environments where sensitive business information is frequently handled. This vulnerability enables privilege escalation attacks and could lead to complete system compromise if administrative sessions are targeted.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate implementation of proper cookie attribute configuration by setting the HttpOnly flag on all session cookies. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify and remediate any existing XSS vulnerabilities that could be leveraged to exploit this weakness. The implementation should follow established security frameworks such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project and the ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, regular security code reviews, and mandatory security training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future releases. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent cookie theft attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of adhering to secure coding practices and proper session management configurations as outlined in industry standards including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 security controls.