CVE-2023-42474 in BusinessObjects Web Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence - version 420, has a URL with parameter that could be vulnerable to XSS attack. The attacker could send a malicious link to a user that would possibly allow an attacker to retrieve the sensitive information.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2023
SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence version 420 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within URL parameters. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through crafted web requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input passed through URL parameters, enabling attackers to construct malicious links that execute unauthorized code in the victim's browser context.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient output encoding and input validation mechanisms within the web intelligence component's parameter handling logic. When users click on maliciously crafted URLs containing specially formatted parameters, the application processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing script execution within the victim's browser session. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which represents one of the most common web application security weaknesses. The flaw enables attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or extract sensitive data from the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged to create sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions and potentially escalate to full system compromise. An attacker could craft links that redirect users to malicious domains, steal authentication tokens, or manipulate the web intelligence interface to access restricted reports and data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where BusinessObjects Web Intelligence serves as a critical reporting tool, as it could provide unauthorized access to sensitive business intelligence and financial data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables both social engineering attacks and client-side exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls to sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, implement proper content security policies to restrict script execution, and ensure all SAP components are updated to the latest security patches. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious links and phishing awareness programs can help reduce successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those addressing input validation and output encoding requirements.