CVE-2003-0939 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
eo420_GetStringFromVarPart in veo420.c for SAP database server (SAP DB) 7.4.03.27 and earlier may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a connect packet with a 256 byte segment to the niserver (aka serv.exe) process on TCP port 7269, which prevents the server from NULL terminating the string and leads to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0939 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SAP database server implementation specifically affecting SAP DB version 7.4.03.27 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the eo420_GetStringFromVarPart function located within the veo420.c source file, which forms part of the niserver process commonly known as serv.exe. The flaw manifests when the server processes connection packets containing 256-byte segments, creating conditions that prevent proper NULL termination of strings during processing. This particular implementation error creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the input data stream to overflow the allocated buffer space, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted connect packet transmitted to the niserver process listening on TCP port 7269, which serves as the primary communication endpoint for SAP database server operations. When the vulnerable function processes the 256-byte segment data, the insufficient boundary checking and lack of proper string termination mechanisms allow memory corruption to occur. This buffer overflow condition typically results in the overwrite of adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying database server infrastructure. Since SAP DB servers typically handle sensitive enterprise data, successful exploitation could lead to data theft, unauthorized database modifications, or complete server compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where database servers are often exposed to network traffic. The specific TCP port 7269 represents a well-known SAP service endpoint that administrators typically do not adequately protect with network segmentation or access controls, further amplifying the risk. Organizations running affected SAP DB versions face significant exposure risk, particularly those with insufficient network monitoring or patch management processes in place to address such time-sensitive vulnerabilities. The exploitation chain requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it attractive to both opportunistic attackers and more sophisticated threat actors targeting enterprise database infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application from SAP, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to TCP port 7269, limiting connections to only trusted sources and implementing proper network segmentation. Additionally, intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for anomalous connection patterns or data packets that match the vulnerability signature. Organizations should also conduct thorough network audits to identify all systems running vulnerable SAP DB versions and implement comprehensive monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in server applications, reinforcing industry best practices around secure coding standards and the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure components. Given the age of this vulnerability and its classification as a remote code execution flaw, organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers including application whitelisting, privilege separation, and regular security training for database administrators to prevent successful exploitation attempts.