CVE-2020-6284 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
SAP NetWeaver (Knowledge Management), versions - 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, 7.50, allows the automatic execution of script content in a stored file due to inadequate filtering with the accessing user's privileges. If the accessing user has administrative privileges, then the execution of the script content could result in complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity and availability, leading to Stored Cross Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2020
SAP NetWeaver Knowledge Management systems running versions 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, and 7.50 contain a critical stored cross site scripting vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation and filtering mechanisms within the file handling processes. This vulnerability resides in the system's ability to process and execute script content stored in files without proper sanitization, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the entire system infrastructure. The flaw specifically manifests when user-accessible files containing malicious script content are processed by the system, allowing the embedded code to execute with the privileges of the accessing user. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize file content before execution, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and persistent code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stored XSS flaw that operates through file-based attack vectors rather than traditional web input methods. When an authenticated user accesses a file containing malicious script content, the system's inadequate filtering mechanisms fail to properly sanitize the content, allowing the script to execute in the context of the user's session. This behavior aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a stored variant where the malicious payload is permanently embedded in the system's file storage rather than being transmitted through a single HTTP request. The vulnerability's impact is significantly amplified when the accessing user possesses administrative privileges, as the script execution can leverage these elevated permissions to compromise the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This privilege escalation capability transforms what might initially appear as a simple XSS vulnerability into a critical system compromise threat.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond typical web application security concerns, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to SAP NetWeaver systems and potentially compromise entire enterprise networks. When exploited by users with administrative privileges, the vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify or delete critical data, access sensitive information, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the enterprise environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script content remains persistent within the system's file storage, ensuring that the attack vector remains active even after initial exploitation. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered repeatedly by any user accessing the affected files, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the system. The implications for enterprise security are severe, as SAP NetWeaver systems often serve as critical infrastructure components within organizations, making successful exploitation a significant threat to business continuity and data protection.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all file uploads, implementation of strict content type checking, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script content. The remediation process must include thorough review and updating of file handling processes to ensure proper filtering of potentially malicious content before storage and execution. System administrators should also implement least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that file access permissions are strictly controlled and that administrative privileges are only granted to authorized personnel. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the SAP ecosystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential for privilege escalation attacks when security controls are insufficient, making it essential for organizations to maintain robust security practices and stay informed about emerging threats within their SAP environments. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for continuous security monitoring and the importance of addressing security flaws proactively rather than reactively.