Unauthorized modification of displayed content in 3.x BEX, SAP security note 1494840

SAP security note 1494840, "Unauthorized modification of displayed content in 3.x BEX". Below are the symptom and SAP recommended solution.

Description

Symptom

The drag&relate interface could be abused by a malicious user, who could modify displayed application content without authorization and potentially obtain authentication information from other legitimate users.

Solution

• Deactivate SICF Service: The SICF internet service /default_host/sap/bw/BEx should always be deactivated as long as no deprecated 3.x BEX functionality is used. This is applicable for most BW customers.
• Implement Support Package: Apply the corresponding support package to address the issue.
• Correction Instruction: In urgent cases, implement the corresponding correction instruction if BEX 3.1 functionality is needed.

Reason and prerequisites

API interface within the 3.x BEX ABAP web runtime function does not sufficiently encode output 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 website.

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 could use it to impersonate the user and access all information with the same rights as the target user. If an administrator is impersonated, the application’s security could be fully compromised.