CVE-2008-0244 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
SAP MaxDB 7.6.03 build 007 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via "&&" and other shell metacharacters in exec_sdbinfo and other unspecified commands, which are executed when MaxDB invokes cons.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
SAP MaxDB represents a relational database management system that has been widely deployed in enterprise environments, particularly within SAP ecosystems where it serves as a backend database for various business applications. The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0244 specifically targets the command execution mechanisms within this database system, creating a critical security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical flaw resides in how MaxDB processes certain command-line arguments when invoking the cons.exe utility, which is responsible for executing various database management functions. Attackers can inject shell metacharacters including the double ampersand operator "&&" along with other dangerous characters into the exec_sdbinfo and other unspecified commands. This occurs because the system fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before passing it to the underlying operating system shell, creating a classic command injection vulnerability. The CWE-77 identifier applies here as this represents a direct injection of commands into a command interpreter, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the MaxDB service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify database content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the enterprise network. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require local system access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed database servers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1105 (Remote File Execution) techniques, as it enables remote command execution through shell metacharacters.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant security risks, particularly those running SAP MaxDB versions 7.6.03 build 007 or earlier. The attack surface is broad as any application or user interface that passes input through the vulnerable commands can be exploited. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, database management tools, or direct network connections to the MaxDB service. System administrators should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and updates, as SAP released security fixes to address this specific issue. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, disabling unnecessary database services, and applying proper input validation and sanitization at all application layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input handling and privilege separation in database systems, as it allows attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges that could otherwise be restricted through proper access controls.