CVE-2003-0940 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in sqlfopenc for web-tools in SAP DB before 7.4.03.30 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0940 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the sqlfopenc component of SAP DB web-tools, affecting versions prior to 7.4.03.30. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied URL parameters containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web-based administration interface of SAP DB, a relational database management system that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate URL parameters by inserting .. (dot dot) sequences that navigate outside the intended directory structure, thereby gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files on the underlying file system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the sqlfopenc component processes user input without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to construct malicious URLs that traverse directory hierarchies. When a remote attacker crafts a URL containing sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the vulnerable application fails to validate these inputs properly and instead processes them as legitimate file paths. This misconfiguration enables the attacker to access files outside the intended web root directory, potentially exposing database configuration files, system credentials, application source code, and other sensitive information. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or local access to the system. This vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use this weakness to discover and exfiltrate sensitive data from the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access database connection strings, user credentials, application configuration files, and system-level information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire SAP DB deployment, as it provides unauthorized access to the underlying file system through the web interface. Organizations using affected versions of SAP DB were exposed to significant risk, particularly in environments where database administrators had configured the web-tools with elevated privileges or where sensitive data resided in accessible directories. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that SAP DB was commonly used in mission-critical applications, making the potential compromise of database systems particularly severe. This weakness essentially creates a backdoor through the web interface that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, allowing attackers to access system resources that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0940 primarily focus on immediate patching and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations should immediately upgrade to SAP DB version 7.4.03.30 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and path validation mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts in URL parameters. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit access to the vulnerable web interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the affected components. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers, including web application filters and database access controls, to provide defense in depth. The implementation of proper logging and monitoring of web interface access patterns can help detect anomalous directory traversal attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other web-based components and ensure that all applications properly validate user inputs. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly for web applications that handle file system operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and patch management in enterprise database environments.