CVE-2021-33694 in Cloud Connector
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2021
SAP Cloud Connector, version - 2.0, does not sufficiently encode user-controlled inputs, allowing an attacker with Administrator rights, to include malicious codes that get stored in the database, and when accessed, could be executed in the application, resulting in Stored Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
SAP Cloud Connector version 2.0 contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation and encoding mechanisms. This flaw exists within the application's handling of user-controlled data, specifically when administrators process and store input through the web interface. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize and encode user-supplied content before persisting it to the database, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors with administrative privileges. The stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that remain embedded in the system's database and execute whenever legitimate users access the affected functionality, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stored XSS flaw that aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that get stored in the application's backend storage and executed in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector requires an attacker to possess administrative credentials, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the application's web interface components where user inputs are processed and stored, particularly in administrative configuration areas where sensitive data is managed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the SAP ecosystem. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive administrative functions, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that malicious code remains active even after the initial injection, creating a long-term threat that can affect multiple users over time. This weakness particularly impacts organizations that rely heavily on SAP Cloud Connector for secure remote access and integration, as it undermines the trust model of the application and creates potential entry points for broader network compromise. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could modify stored data or intercept sensitive information through the execution of malicious scripts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection, regular security assessments of administrative interfaces, and comprehensive monitoring for suspicious activities. The implementation of content security policies and proper input sanitization should be prioritized to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Security teams must also ensure that administrative privileges are strictly controlled and monitored, as the vulnerability requires administrative access to exploit. Regular patch management and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the SAP Cloud Connector and related systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms within enterprise applications, particularly those handling privileged user data and administrative functions.