CVE-2019-0381 in SQL Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE
A binary planting in SAP SQL Anywhere, before version 17.0, SAP IQ, before version 16.1, and SAP Dynamic Tier, before versions 1.0 and 2.0, can result in the inadvertent access of files located in directories outside of the paths specified by the user.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2020
SAP SQL Anywhere, SAP IQ, and SAP Dynamic Tier products contain a binary planting vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the application's search path mechanism. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 17.0 for SAP SQL Anywhere, 16.1 for SAP IQ, and versions 1.0 and 2.0 for SAP Dynamic Tier, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw stems from improper handling of dynamic library loading sequences where the application does not properly validate or restrict the paths from which it loads executable components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly isolate its execution environment from potentially malicious file locations. When these SAP products attempt to load required dynamic libraries or executables, they traverse the system PATH in a manner that does not adequately verify the legitimacy of the source locations. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious binaries in directories that appear earlier in the search path, causing the application to execute unintended code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic libraries, and represents a classic binary planting attack vector where attacker-controlled code is executed in the context of a privileged process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive data stored within the database environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially read, modify, or delete database files, access confidential information, or establish persistent access to the system. The attack typically requires the attacker to have local access to the system where SAP products are installed, though the privilege escalation potential means that even limited access can be leveraged to achieve more significant compromises. This vulnerability affects database administrators and system operators who may not expect malicious code to be executed through legitimate application paths.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches for the affected versions, restricting write permissions to directories in the application PATH, and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to use absolute paths for all library loading operations and implementing proper privilege separation between different application components. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and monitoring for suspicious library loading patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for layered security controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege in application design, particularly for database management systems that handle sensitive enterprise data.