CVE-2020-6282 in NetWeaver AS JAVA
Summary
by MITRE
SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA (IIOP service) (SERVERCORE), versions 7.10, 7.11, 7.20, 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, 7.50, and SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA (IIOP service) (CORE-TOOLS), versions 7.10, 7.11, 7.20, 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, 7.50, allows an attacker to send a crafted request from a vulnerable web application. It is usually used to target internal systems behind firewalls that are normally inaccessible to an attacker from the external network, resulting in a Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2020
SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA contains a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability in its IIOP service components that affects multiple versions across the product line. This vulnerability exists within the server core and core tools modules, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these platforms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the IIOP service to make unauthorized requests to internal systems that would normally be protected by firewalls and network segmentation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when vulnerable web applications process crafted requests that exploit the IIOP service's handling of external references, enabling attackers to bypass network security controls and access internal resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of external references within the IIOP service's request processing mechanism. When the service receives a crafted request containing malicious external references, it fails to properly validate or restrict the destinations to which these requests can be forwarded. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to leverage the service as a proxy to make requests to internal systems that are typically protected from external network access. The IIOP service operates on the Internet Inter-ORB Protocol which is designed for object request brokering between distributed components, but the implementation lacks proper security controls to prevent unauthorized forwarding of requests to internal network resources. This vulnerability falls under CWE-918, Server-Side Request Forgery, which specifically addresses the issue of uncontrolled external references in server applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access bypass as it enables attackers to perform reconnaissance and exploitation of internal systems that would normally be isolated from external threats. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to scan internal networks, probe for additional vulnerabilities in internal services, or even gain access to sensitive internal applications and databases. The attack vector typically involves sending a crafted request through the vulnerable web application that triggers the IIOP service to forward the request to a target internal system. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on network segmentation for security, as the vulnerability effectively allows attackers to establish a foothold within internal networks without needing direct external access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through standard web application interfaces, making it accessible to attackers with minimal specialized tools or knowledge.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary mitigation strategy involves applying the relevant SAP security notes and patches that address the specific IIOP service handling of external references. Network administrators should also implement strict firewall rules and access controls to limit outbound connections from the SAP NetWeaver servers, particularly restricting access to internal systems from the IIOP service components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions that can detect unusual outbound traffic patterns originating from the vulnerable systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers can use this vulnerability to perform network reconnaissance and service discovery activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable components, and organizations should ensure that all SAP systems are properly updated and monitored for similar vulnerabilities in related services.