External risk intelligence

SAP NetWeaver Information Disclosure Advisory.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-2388

The Universal Worklist Configuration in SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive user information via a crafted HTTP request. This exposes confidential user data, posing a business risk. Organizations should identify affected systems and apply vendor security updates.

4Halo Surface Signal

Information Disclosure

Sap Netweaver Application Server Java

7.10 to 7.50

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-2388

This vulnerability affects SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA, which is commonly deployed as an internet-facing enterprise portal, web application, or API gateway. Components like the Universal Worklist are frequently accessed via web interfaces, making them reachable in common network deployment patterns for business applications.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Universal Worklist Configuration within SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA is susceptible to a flaw that allows unauthorized remote access. This weakness enables attackers to retrieve sensitive user information by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. The primary business risk stems from potential exposure of confidential user data.

  • Vulnerable component: Universal Worklist Configuration
  • Core weakness: Information disclosure via crafted requests
  • Main business impact: Sensitive user data exposure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Universal Worklist Configuration within SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA is susceptible to unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve sensitive user data. This vulnerability can be exploited by external actors without requiring any specific privileges. The attack involves sending a specifically designed HTTP request to the affected system.

  • Exposed externally
  • Unauthenticated attacker sends crafted request
  • Sensitive user data is disclosed

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The Universal Worklist Configuration in SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA is susceptible to remote attackers gaining access to sensitive user information. This is achieved by sending a specially crafted HTTP request, which could lead to unauthorized disclosure of data. The ability for remote, unauthenticated attackers to exploit this vulnerability, coupled with the potential for sensitive data exposure, presents a notable business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: Medium

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA could allow remote attackers to access sensitive user information. Organizations should identify systems running SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA and assess their exposure. Further steps include implementing vendor-provided security updates and verifying their successful application. Ongoing monitoring is advised to detect any related malicious activity.

  • Find SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA systems.
  • Limit network access to affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA and its Universal Worklist Configuration?

SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA is a platform for developing and running business applications. The Universal Worklist (UWL) Configuration is a component within this platform that provides users with a centralized access point for tasks and notifications from various SAP systems. It collects items from systems like Business Workflow and Alert Management, presenting them in a single list for efficient management.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2016-2388 in SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA?

CVE-2016-2388 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting the Universal Worklist Configuration in SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA 7.4. This weakness allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive user information by sending a specially crafted HTTP request.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2016-2388?

An attacker can exploit CVE-2016-2388 by sending a crafted HTTP request to the Universal Worklist Configuration component of SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA. This allows them to retrieve sensitive user information without requiring any authentication.

What is the relevance of CVE-2016-2388 to external exposure and threat actors?

This vulnerability is classified as externally exposed because the attack vector is network-based, and it can be exploited by unauthenticated remote attackers. This makes it a significant concern for internet-facing SAP NetWeaver systems.

What steps should be taken to address CVE-2016-2388?

Organizations should identify all SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA systems and assess their exposure. The primary remediation step is to apply the security updates provided by SAP via Security Note 2256846. It is also recommended to monitor for suspicious activity after patching.

References