CVE-2007-1916 in RFC Library
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the RFC_START_GUI 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 • 10/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1916 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SAP RFC Library component, specifically affecting versions 6.40 and 7.00 prior to the 20061211 release. This vulnerability resides within the RFC_START_GUI function, which serves as a critical interface for remote function calls in SAP environments. The RFC Library acts as a foundational component for communication between SAP systems and external applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise systems. The buffer overflow occurs when the function processes input data without proper bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries can exploit the flaw without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where SAP systems are often exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise SAP systems and potentially gain access to sensitive business data. When an attacker successfully exploits this buffer overflow, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected SAP process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that SAP systems often contain critical business information including financial data, customer records, and operational details. The unspecified attack vectors mentioned in the original disclosure suggest that multiple input channels could be exploited, potentially including network-based attacks through RFC connections, web services, or other communication protocols that utilize the affected library. Organizations running vulnerable SAP systems face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly since SAP systems are frequently targeted by cybercriminals due to the valuable data they contain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1916 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SAP systems with the security update released on 20061211, which addressed the buffer overflow vulnerability in the RFC Library. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to SAP systems, particularly by restricting RFC connections to trusted networks and implementing strict access controls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that SAP processes run with minimal required permissions and that network access is restricted to only necessary services. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious RFC traffic patterns, conducting regular security assessments of SAP environments, and maintaining comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls and network access control lists to prevent unauthorized communication with SAP systems. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates a layered security approach that combines proper patch management with network security controls, as demonstrated by ATT&CK tactics T1068 and T1046 that address privilege escalation and remote service exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to ensure that all SAP components remain up-to-date with the latest security patches, particularly given the long lifespan of enterprise software systems like SAP.