CVE-2023-37490 in Business Objects Installer
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2023
SAP Business Objects Installer - versions 420, 430, allows an authenticated attacker within the network to overwrite an executable file created in a temporary directory during the installation process. On replacing this executable with a malicious file, an attacker can completely compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2023
SAP Business Objects Installer versions 420 and 430 contain a critical file overwrite vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers within the network to compromise system security through manipulation of temporary installation files. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of temporary file creation and handling processes during the installation lifecycle, creating a path for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. The flaw specifically affects the installer's temporary directory management, where executable files are created without proper access controls or file integrity checks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-374, which addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions, and CWE-377, which covers insecure temporary file creation practices. The security implications extend beyond simple file overwriting as the attacker can substitute legitimate installation executables with malicious payloads, potentially executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability exists in the context of network-based attacks where the attacker already possesses valid credentials to access the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where internal network security is not properly segmented. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1547.001 for registry run keys, as the malicious executables can be configured to persistently execute on system startup or during installation processes. The compromised system confidentiality is severely impacted as the attacker gains access to all data processed by the business objects environment, while integrity is compromised through the potential for data modification and system state manipulation. Availability is threatened through potential denial of service conditions that can occur when legitimate installation processes are disrupted or when malicious payloads are executed. The operational impact extends to complete system compromise where attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. Organizations using these SAP Business Objects versions face significant risk of lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as the compromised system can serve as a launching point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard network access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Remediation strategies should include immediate patching of affected SAP Business Objects installations, implementation of temporary file access controls, and network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file creation patterns in temporary directories and executable file modifications during installation processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure temporary file handling in enterprise software installations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing during software development lifecycle phases. Organizations should also implement privileged access management controls and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications. This vulnerability type represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation and insecure file handling practices can create persistent security weaknesses that remain undetected for extended periods within enterprise environments.