CVE-2019-0376 in Business Intelligence Platform
Summary
by MITRE
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform (Web Intelligence HTML interface), before versions 4.2 and 4.3, does not sufficiently encode user-controlled inputs and allows an attacker to save malicious scripts in the publication name, which can be executed later by the victim, resulting in Stored Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2020
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform represents a comprehensive business intelligence solution that enables organizations to create, manage, and share analytical content through various interfaces including the Web Intelligence HTML interface. This platform serves as a critical component in enterprise data analysis and reporting environments where users generate complex reports and dashboards. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-0376 specifically targets the Web Intelligence HTML interface component of this platform, affecting versions prior to 4.2 and 4.3. The flaw resides in the platform's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the publication naming functionality, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs when processing publication names within the Web Intelligence interface. When users create or modify publications, the system accepts user-supplied data without proper HTML encoding or sanitization, allowing malicious script code to be embedded within the publication name field. This occurs because the platform fails to implement proper input validation controls that would strip or encode potentially dangerous characters and script tags. The vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting condition where the malicious code becomes permanently stored within the system's database or configuration files associated with the publication name. When other users access the publication listing or view the publication details, the embedded script executes in their browser context, providing attackers with the ability to perform actions on behalf of victims or steal sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0376 extends beyond simple script execution, representing a significant threat to enterprise security and data integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts that may steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the BusinessObjects environment. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. The attack surface includes any user with access to the Web Intelligence interface who might view publications containing the malicious content, potentially compromising the entire business intelligence ecosystem. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within victim browsers. Organizations using affected versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive business intelligence reports, and possible lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0376 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates for SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform. Organizations should upgrade to versions 4.2 or 4.3 which contain the necessary fixes for input validation and output encoding. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures at the application level, including HTML encoding of all user-supplied data, can serve as a defensive control. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure, while regular security assessments of the business intelligence platform should be conducted. Monitoring for suspicious publication creation activities and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Security awareness training for users who interact with the BusinessObjects platform should emphasize the dangers of viewing publications from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining current software versions. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of web interfaces and proper adherence to secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities in enterprise applications.