Unauthorized modification of displayed content in BI Workspace, SAP security note 2165429

SAP security note 2165429, "Unauthorized modification of displayed content in BI Workspace", is a program error note released on 08.12.2015. Below are the symptom and SAP recommended solution.

Description

Symptom

Performance Management Application can be abused by an attacker, allowing them to modify displayed application content without authorization, and to potentially obtain authentication information from other legitimate users.

Solution

This problem has been resolved and the fix is available. Please check the Support Packages and Patches section.

Reason and prerequisites

TextModule within BI Workspace do not sufficiently encode input parameters, resulting in a reflected cross-site scripting issue. A reflected cross-site scripting attack can be used to non-permanently deface or modify displayed content from a Web site.

Reflected cross-site scripting can be used to steal another user's authentication information, such as data relating to their current session. An attacker who gains access to this data may use it to impersonate the user and access all information with the same rights as the target user. If an administrator is impersonated, the security of the application may be fully compromised.