CVE-2020-6262 in Application Server ABAP
Summary
by MITRE
Service Data Download in SAP Application Server ABAP (ST-PI, before versions 2008_1_46C, 2008_1_620, 2008_1_640, 2008_1_700, 2008_1_710, 740) allows an attacker to inject code that can be executed by the application. An attacker could thereby control the behavior of the application and the whole ABAP system leading to Code Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6262 resides within the Service Data Download functionality of SAP Application Server ABAP, specifically affecting various versions of the ST-PI component. This security flaw represents a critical code injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the ABAP system environment. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the service data download process, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject and execute code directly within the application layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied data during service data download operations. When the ABAP system processes incoming data through the affected service components, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious code sequences that get executed within the application context. This code injection occurs at the application level rather than at the operating system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can directly compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire ABAP system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which classifies improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of a code injection flaw that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected ABAP system, potentially enabling them to access sensitive business data, modify system configurations, manipulate transactions, and establish persistent access points within the enterprise network. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SAP systems often serve as central repositories for critical business information and transactional data, making the compromise of such systems a severe business risk. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it especially dangerous in environments where SAP systems are exposed to untrusted networks. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries execute code through legitimate system interfaces.
Organizations affected by CVE-2020-6262 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security patches and updates released for versions 2008_1_46C, 2008_1_620, 2008_1_640, 2008_1_700, and 2008_1_710 of the ST-PI component. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of SAP systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous service data download activities. Additionally, input validation mechanisms should be reviewed and strengthened across all ABAP applications to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors within the SAP ecosystem. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in system functionality.