CVE-2007-3614 in SAP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in waHTTP.exe (aka the SAP DB Web Server) in SAP DB, possibly 7.3 through 7.5, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a certain cookie value; (2) a certain additional parameter, related to sapdbwa_GetQueryString; and other unspecified vectors related to "numerous other fields."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3614 represents a critical security flaw in the SAP DB Web Server component known as waHTTP.exe which forms part of the broader SAP DB database management system. This vulnerability affects versions ranging from 7.3 through 7.5 and constitutes a stack-based buffer overflow that creates multiple attack vectors for remote code execution. The flaw specifically targets the web server's handling of user-supplied input through various HTTP parameters and cookie values, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing database systems that rely on SAP DB for their operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the waHTTP.exe web server module, where the sapdbwa_GetQueryString function processes HTTP request parameters without proper bounds checking. When maliciously crafted cookie values or additional parameters are submitted to the web server, the buffer overflow occurs in the stack memory allocation, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, where the buffer overflow occurs in stack memory allocated for local variables. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they involve multiple entry points including cookie handling and query string processing, suggesting a systemic weakness in the input sanitization mechanisms of the web server component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to potentially compromise entire database server infrastructures, especially when SAP DB systems are deployed in enterprise environments with direct internet exposure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information, modify or delete critical data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system and can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals and nation-state actors. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and represents a significant risk for organizations that have not properly patched their SAP DB installations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official SAP security patches and updates, while also implementing network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and access controls to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in web server components, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and patch management programs. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious cookie values and parameter combinations that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also conducting regular security audits to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities within legacy database systems that may be similarly affected.