CVE-2020-6288 in Business Intelligence Platform
Summary
by MITRE
SAP Business Objects Business Intelligence Platform (Web Intelligence HTML interface) allows an attacker with edit document rights to upload any file (including script files) without proper file format validation leading to Unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type vulnerability. The attacker can modify some formulas and display erroneous content. The server is not affected only the current user browser session, that can easily be closed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6288 affects SAP Business Objects Business Intelligence Platform, specifically targeting the Web Intelligence HTML interface component. This security flaw represents a critical unrestricted file upload vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers with edit document permissions to bypass file format validation mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the platform's document handling capabilities where proper input sanitization and file type verification are insufficiently implemented, allowing malicious actors to upload potentially harmful files including scripts and executables. The affected system operates under the assumption that users with edit rights can be trusted, creating a dangerous privilege escalation scenario where legitimate user permissions are exploited for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate server-side validation of uploaded file types within the Web Intelligence HTML interface. Attackers can leverage their edit privileges to upload files with dangerous extensions such as .jsp, .php, .asp, or other executable formats without proper restriction mechanisms. The system fails to perform comprehensive file content analysis or MIME type verification, instead relying on client-side checks that can be easily bypassed. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file upload capabilities as it enables attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to complete session compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6288 manifests primarily through the ability of attackers to manipulate document content through formula modifications and display of erroneous data. While the immediate server compromise is limited to the current user's browser session, this restriction does not prevent attackers from executing malicious payloads that can persist within the user's context. The vulnerability allows for the execution of malicious scripts that can capture user credentials, redirect traffic, or perform other malicious activities within the compromised session. The attack vector requires only legitimate edit permissions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users possess document editing capabilities. The risk is amplified by the fact that such attacks can be executed without requiring elevated privileges or system-level access, making them difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying SAP security patches and updates specifically addressing CVE-2020-6288, ensuring proper file type validation, and implementing robust content inspection mechanisms. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit the scope of potential attacks, while privileged access controls must be strictly enforced to prevent unauthorized document editing capabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on input validation mechanisms and file handling processes within business intelligence platforms. The implementation of web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also establish comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect unusual file upload activities and implement user behavior analytics to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for users with edit permissions can help prevent accidental exploitation, while regular vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related systems.