CVE-2003-0938 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
vos24u.c in SAP database server (SAP DB) 7.4.03.27 and earlier allows local users to gain SYSTEM privileges via a malicious "NETAPI32.DLL" in the current working directory, which is found and loaded by SAP DB before the real DLL, as demonstrated using the SQLAT stored procedure.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0938 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within SAP Database Server version 7.4.03.27 and earlier releases. This issue stems from improper dynamic library loading mechanisms that create opportunities for local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the vos24u.c component within the SAP DB database server implementation, where the software fails to properly validate and sanitize the loading sequence of dynamic link libraries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious NETAPI32.DLL file placed in the current working directory of the SAP database server process. When the SQLAT stored procedure is invoked, the SAP DB server searches for required dynamic libraries in a predictable order that prioritizes the current working directory over system library paths. This behavior creates a classic DLL hijacking scenario where attackers can place their malicious payload in the working directory, causing the database server to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate system library.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local attackers to escalate their privileges from regular user level to SYSTEM level access on the target system. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to perform actions such as modifying database contents, accessing sensitive information, installing malware, or establishing persistent access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and provides maximum system access upon successful exploitation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path and ATT&CK technique T1068 Valid Accounts for privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in library loading mechanisms and highlights the importance of implementing secure coding practices that avoid insecure search paths. Organizations using SAP DB server versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of system compromise, particularly in environments where database servers run with elevated privileges or where local access is possible.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of SAP DB server installations to versions that address the insecure library loading behavior. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized users from placing files in directories where SAP DB processes execute. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running SAP DB server processes with minimal required permissions rather than SYSTEM level privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring of suspicious file creation activities in SAP server directories can provide additional defensive layers against exploitation attempts.