CVE-2024-28166 in BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2024
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform allows an authenticated attacker to upload malicious code over the network, that could be executed by the application. On successful exploitation, the attacker can cause a low impact on the Integrity of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform represents a critical enterprise solution for business intelligence and data analytics within corporate environments. This platform serves as a central hub for data visualization, reporting, and analytical capabilities across organizations. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28166 resides within the platform's file upload functionality, specifically targeting the authentication and validation mechanisms that govern how external files are processed and stored within the system. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker to bypass normal file validation procedures and upload malicious code that can subsequently be executed by the application. This represents a significant security risk as it transforms a legitimate user account into a potential vector for code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of several cybersecurity domains including web application security, file handling validation, and privilege escalation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient sanitization of uploaded files within the BusinessObjects platform. An attacker with valid credentials can manipulate the file upload process to include malicious payloads that are not properly filtered or rejected by the system's security controls. This flaw likely exists in the platform's content validation logic where file types, extensions, and content signatures are not adequately verified before storage and execution. The vulnerability's classification as a low impact on integrity suggests that while the attacker can execute code, the primary concern lies in data corruption or modification rather than complete system compromise. However, this low impact designation should not be misconstrued as a minor security issue, as the ability to execute arbitrary code represents a fundamental breach of the system's security model and can lead to further exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload scenarios, and potentially maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as this vulnerability affects a platform that typically serves external users.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28166 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader organizational security implications. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify business intelligence reports, manipulate data visualizations, or potentially gain access to sensitive business information that the platform handles. Organizations using SAP BusinessObjects may experience data integrity issues, compromised analytical results, and potential information leakage through the executed malicious code. The authenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers need valid user credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk as credential compromise is a common attack vector through social engineering, password reuse, or other exploitation techniques. The platform's role in business intelligence makes it particularly attractive to adversaries seeking to manipulate business data or gain insights into organizational operations. The vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the enterprise network, as the compromised platform may contain access to other systems or data sources. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of their overall security posture and potential for lateral movement within their network infrastructure.