CVE-2020-6295 in Adaptive Server Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Under certain conditions the SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise, version 16.0, allows an attacker to access encrypted sensitive and confidential information through publicly readable installation log files leading to a compromise of the installed Cockpit. This compromise could enable the attacker to view, modify and/or make unavailable any data associated with the Cockpit, leading to Information Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2020
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise version 16.0 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that arises from improper handling of sensitive data within installation log files. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a significant security weakness in the database server's installation process. The flaw occurs when the system generates log files during installation that contain encrypted sensitive information in a format that remains publicly readable, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit without authentication. The vulnerability specifically affects the Cockpit component of the SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise, which serves as a management interface for database administration tasks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential data from installation logs, potentially gaining access to encryption keys, administrative credentials, or other sensitive configuration information that would normally be protected within the system's security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full compromise of the Cockpit management interface. When an attacker successfully accesses the encrypted sensitive information through publicly readable log files, they gain unauthorized access to the Cockpit environment where they can perform unauthorized actions including viewing, modifying, and making unavailable any data associated with the Cockpit. This represents a severe privilege escalation scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. The compromised Cockpit environment provides attackers with extensive access to database management functions, potentially enabling them to manipulate database contents, alter access controls, or disrupt database operations. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require complex attack vectors or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Security implications of this vulnerability include potential data breaches, unauthorized database modifications, and complete compromise of database management capabilities. The exposure of sensitive information through installation logs creates a persistent threat that remains active throughout the system's operational lifetime, as these log files may not be properly secured or rotated. Organizations running SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise version 16.0 face significant risk of unauthorized access to their database management infrastructure, potentially affecting multiple databases and applications that rely on this platform. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it occurs during the installation phase, meaning that organizations may not even be aware of the compromised state until an attack has already occurred. This situation creates a window of opportunity for attackers to establish persistent access to critical database management functions, potentially enabling long-term surveillance and data exfiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate log file security measures and long-term system hardening. Organizations must ensure that installation log files containing sensitive information are properly secured with appropriate access controls and permissions, preventing unauthorized public read access. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file permission controls on log directories, regularly auditing log file access patterns, and establishing automated processes to detect and remediate unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing log file rotation and secure deletion procedures to ensure that sensitive information is not retained longer than necessary. System administrators should also review and update their installation procedures to avoid generating sensitive information in publicly accessible locations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper information handling procedures during system installation processes, aligning with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other system components and ensure comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats.