CVE-2020-6252 in Adaptive Server Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Under certain conditions SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise (Cockpit), version 16.0, allows an attacker with access to local network, to get sensitive and confidential information, leading to Information Disclosure. It can be used to get user account credentials, tamper with system data and impact system availability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2020
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise Cockpit version 16.0 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that arises from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms within the system's network communication protocols. This vulnerability specifically affects the cockpit component which serves as a management interface for SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise databases, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can gain local network access to the affected system. The flaw stems from the improper handling of authentication tokens and session management during network requests, allowing unauthorized entities to intercept and exploit communication channels that should remain protected. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues, where the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks on critical resources. The attack vector requires an attacker to be positioned within the local network environment, typically through network sniffing, man-in-the-middle attacks, or by compromising a system within the same network segment that can communicate with the SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise instance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the cockpit's authentication framework where session tokens are not adequately protected during transmission or storage, and where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of incoming requests. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user account credentials, system configuration data, and potentially administrative privileges that would normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes network requests without sufficient validation of the requesting entity's authorization status, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users or access restricted system functions. This weakness particularly affects the cockpit's API endpoints and administrative interfaces that handle user authentication and system management operations, creating opportunities for credential theft, data manipulation, and service disruption. The exploitation process typically involves intercepting network traffic, analyzing session tokens, and crafting malicious requests that bypass normal authentication mechanisms, which aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access techniques and T1499 endpoint disruption methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Organizations utilizing SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise Cockpit version 16.0 face risks of unauthorized data access, credential theft that could lead to lateral movement within their network infrastructure, and potential service availability issues if attackers manipulate system configurations or access administrative functions. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the database management system, which could result in data exfiltration, system corruption, or denial of service conditions. Additionally, the exposure of user account credentials through this vulnerability could enable attackers to access other systems within the organization's infrastructure that rely on the same authentication mechanisms, creating cascading security issues. Organizations may experience regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage if sensitive data is accessed or compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in industries subject to strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, or government sectors. The risk assessment must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be exploited in combination with other attack vectors, as the stolen credentials could be used to access additional systems or services within the network environment, making this a particularly dangerous weakness in the security posture of affected organizations.