How to remediate – Sybase M-Business Anywhere (AvantGo) SOAP Server Detection

1. Introduction

Sybase M-Business Anywhere (AvantGo) SOAP Server Detection identifies an administrative service listening on a remote host. This service provides a web interface for managing M-Business server tasks, including configuration and user accounts. Successful exploitation could allow unauthorised access to sensitive data and system settings. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability may be impacted if compromised.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because the SOAP Server is exposed, potentially allowing remote administration without sufficient security controls. An attacker can send specially crafted requests to this server to gain access. There is no known CVE associated with this specific detection; however, it represents a configuration issue that should be addressed. For example, an attacker could attempt to enumerate users or modify system settings via the SOAP interface. Affected versions are those running the M-Business Anywhere (AvantGo) SOAP Server service.

• Root cause: The SOAP server is listening on a network interface without adequate access controls.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends HTTP requests to the SOAP server endpoint, potentially exploiting weak authentication or authorisation mechanisms. A simple example request might attempt to list available web channels.
• Scope: Sybase M-Business Anywhere (formerly AvantGo) installations with the SOAP Server service enabled.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming vulnerability involves checking for the listening SOAP server service. A quick check can identify its presence, while a thorough method verifies configuration details.

• Quick checks: Use netstat to see if port 80 or 443 is listening and associated with Sybase processes.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16275 may identify the service, but results should be verified manually.
• Logs and evidence: Check application logs for SOAP server activity. Specific log paths depend on installation settings.

netstat -an | grep LISTEN | grep 80

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Fixing the issue involves disabling or securing the SOAP Server service. These steps should be performed carefully to avoid disrupting legitimate M-Business functionality.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to restore from backup in case of issues. A roll back plan involves restoring the snapshot or re-enabling the service with its original configuration.
• Changes should be scheduled during a maintenance window and approved by the system owner.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Stop the Sybase M-Business Anywhere SOAP Server service.
2. Step 2: Disable the service to prevent it from automatically restarting.
3. Step 3: Review firewall rules to ensure no external access is permitted to ports used by the SOAP server (typically 80 or 443).

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Service status is running

After

Service status is disabled

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Practices that directly address this vulnerability type include least privilege and secure defaults.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – only grant necessary permissions to users accessing the M-Business system, reducing potential impact if compromised.
• Practice 2: Secure defaults – configure services with restrictive default settings, disabling unnecessary features like the SOAP server unless explicitly required.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# PowerShell example to stop and disable the service
Stop-Service -Name "Sybase SOAP Server" -Force
Set-Service -Name "Sybase SOAP Server" -StartupType Disabled

5. Verification / Validation

Confirming the fix involves verifying that the SOAP server is no longer listening and retesting for access. A simple service smoke test should also be performed.

• Post-fix check: Run `netstat -an | grep LISTEN | grep 80` again; there should be no output related to Sybase SOAP Server.
• Re-test: Repeat the initial detection steps (e.g., netstat) to confirm the service is disabled.
• Monitoring: Monitor application logs for any errors related to the SOAP server being unavailable.

netstat -an | grep LISTEN | grep 80

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines and consider adding checks in deployment pipelines to prevent similar issues.

• Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to require disabling the SOAP server unless specifically approved.
• Pipelines: Add checks in CI/CD pipelines to scan for exposed services like the SOAP server during deployments.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle of running services and configurations to identify potential vulnerabilities.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Disabling the SOAP server may impact administrative functionality that relies on it. A roll back plan involves re-enabling the service with its original configuration.

• Risk or side effect 1: Disabling the SOAP server could break existing administration tools if they rely on this interface.
• Risk or side effect 2: Users may need to use alternative methods for managing M-Business configurations.
• Roll back: Step 1: Re-enable the Sybase M-Business Anywhere SOAP Server service. Step 2: Restore the original configuration settings.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.sybase.com/products/allproductsa-z/m-businessanywhere