CVE-2003-0945 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Database Manager in web-tools for SAP DB before 7.4.03.30 generates predictable session IDs, which allows remote attackers to conduct unauthorized activities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0945 affects the Web Database Manager component within SAP DB web-tools, specifically in versions prior to 7.4.03.30. This issue resides in the session management mechanism where the system generates session identifiers using predictable algorithms rather than cryptographically secure random number generators. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of database management operations conducted through the web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of insufficiently random session ID generation algorithms within the Web Database Manager. When a user authenticates to the SAP DB web interface, the system creates a session identifier to maintain the user's authenticated state throughout their interaction with the database management tools. However, the session ID generation process employs deterministic methods that can be reverse-engineered or predicted by malicious actors. This predictability allows attackers to forge session tokens and impersonate legitimate users without possessing valid credentials. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak session management as defined by CWE-384, which specifically addresses the use of predictable session identifiers in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully predicts a session ID can gain unauthorized access to database management functions, potentially leading to data modification, deletion, or exposure of sensitive information. The consequences are particularly severe given that SAP DB is a database management system that typically handles critical business data and administrative functions. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to creating new users, modifying existing data structures, executing arbitrary database commands, and accessing confidential information. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects the web interface management tools, which are often accessible from external networks and may be exposed to a broader attack surface.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to SAP DB version 7.4.03.30 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for session ID generation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to the web database management interface, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious session activity. The vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and privilege escalation phases, where attackers leverage predictable session identifiers to establish persistent access to target systems. Organizations should also review their session management practices and ensure that all web applications utilize cryptographically secure random number generators for session identifier creation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that session IDs are properly randomized and that no other components within the SAP DB ecosystem suffer from similar weaknesses. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for patterns that might indicate session prediction attempts or unauthorized access attempts through predicted session tokens.