CVE-2007-1915 in RFC Library
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the RFC_START_PROGRAM function in the SAP RFC Library 6.40 and 7.00 before 20061211 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors. NOTE: This information is based upon a vague initial disclosure. Details will be updated after the grace period has ended.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1915 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SAP RFC Library version 6.40 and 7.00, specifically affecting the RFC_START_PROGRAM function. This issue emerged during a period when SAP systems were heavily reliant on remote function call mechanisms for inter-system communication and data exchange. The RFC Library serves as a fundamental component enabling distributed application development and system integration across various SAP environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially compromise entire enterprise networks. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow indicates that the function fails to properly validate input lengths, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This particular flaw exists within the remote function call infrastructure that facilitates communication between SAP systems and external applications, making it a prime target for exploitation in network-based attacks.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the RFC_START_PROGRAM function, which processes program execution requests from remote systems. When malicious input exceeds the allocated buffer space, it can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. This memory corruption allows attackers to redirect program execution flow and potentially inject arbitrary code into the target system's memory space. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, as they can leverage network-based attacks to deliver malicious payloads through the RFC interface. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that multiple attack paths could potentially trigger this condition, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data. Organizations utilizing SAP systems were particularly vulnerable since the RFC library is extensively used for business process integration, data synchronization, and cross-system communication. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain administrative privileges, modify critical business data, or establish persistent backdoors within the enterprise network. The remote nature of the attack means that threats could originate from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network perimeter defenses insufficient for protection. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, as it could lead to data breaches and regulatory violations. The attack surface is particularly broad given that SAP systems are commonly found in critical infrastructure sectors including finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, where system compromise could have severe operational and financial consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1915 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SAP systems with the vendor-provided security updates released after the grace period ended. Organizations must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of SAP systems to untrusted networks, utilizing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor RFC traffic patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting RFC access to only necessary systems and applications, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additionally, implementing application-level monitoring and logging of RFC function calls can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary RFC services and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential attack vectors within their SAP environments. According to ATT&CK framework classifications, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, requiring defensive measures that address both the initial compromise and post-exploitation activities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments to ensure compatibility with existing business applications before deployment to critical systems.