CVE-2020-6280 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
SAP NetWeaver (ABAP Server) and ABAP Platform, versions 731, 740, 750, allows an attacker with admin privileges to access certain files which should otherwise be restricted, leading to Information Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2020
SAP NetWeaver ABAP Server and ABAP Platform versions 731, 740, and 750 contain a critical information disclosure vulnerability that stems from improper access controls within the system's file access mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the authorization framework that governs file system interactions, allowing authenticated administrative users to bypass intended restrictions and access files that should remain protected. The flaw exists in the underlying file access control implementation where the system fails to properly validate administrative privileges when processing file access requests, creating a path for privilege escalation through file system manipulation. This vulnerability represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the fundamental security model that protects sensitive system resources from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the ABAP runtime environment processes file access requests without adequate verification of administrative permissions. When an attacker with administrative credentials attempts to access restricted files, the system's authorization checking logic fails to properly enforce the security boundaries that should prevent access to sensitive system components. This weakness manifests as a path traversal or access control bypass issue that can be exploited through legitimate administrative interfaces, making detection more challenging since the access appears to come from authorized administrative accounts. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through legitimate administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire system integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive system files including configuration data, cryptographic keys, and potentially source code repositories that contain proprietary business logic. This exposure creates opportunities for further exploitation including privilege escalation to system-level access, data exfiltration, and the potential for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The affected versions of SAP NetWeaver represent a significant attack surface since these are widely deployed enterprise systems that often serve as core components of business-critical applications, making the impact of exploitation substantial for organizations relying on these platforms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by users who already possess administrative privileges, meaning that the attack vector does not require initial compromise of user credentials or additional attack vectors to gain access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security patches and hotfixes released for this vulnerability, which typically address the authorization checking logic to properly validate administrative privileges before granting file access. Additional defensive measures include implementing enhanced monitoring of administrative file access patterns, reviewing and tightening administrative user permissions, and conducting comprehensive access control audits to identify any potential unauthorized access attempts. The security controls should also include network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files and provide alerts when access patterns deviate from normal administrative behavior. These mitigation strategies align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and should be implemented in accordance with industry best practices for protecting enterprise systems from information disclosure vulnerabilities.