CVE-2008-0307 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in vserver in SAP MaxDB 7.6.0.37, and possibly other versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors that trigger heap corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0307 represents a critical integer signedness error within the vserver component of SAP MaxDB version 7.6.0.37 and potentially other versions in the product line. This flaw exists at the core of how the database management system processes integer values during memory allocation and data handling operations. The issue manifests when the system encounters certain input parameters that trigger improper handling of signed versus unsigned integer values, leading to unpredictable behavior in memory management operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring local access or authentication. The flaw specifically impacts heap corruption mechanisms, where improper integer handling causes memory allocation routines to behave erratically, potentially leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted input that causes the vserver component to process integer values in ways that exceed normal operational bounds. When the system encounters data structures that trigger signedness errors, it can lead to heap memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow or underflow, specifically manifesting as CWE-191 which deals with integer underflow and CWE-192 which addresses integer overflow. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as the heap corruption can be leveraged to gain elevated privileges or establish persistent access to the database server. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through network-based attacks that send malicious data to the vserver process, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database services are exposed to untrusted networks.
The security implications of CVE-2008-0307 align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code injection. The vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations running SAP MaxDB 7.6.0.37 or affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their database systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or service disruption. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network security measures insufficient for protection. Additionally, the heap corruption nature of the flaw can result in system instability and crashes, potentially causing denial of service conditions that can impact business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected SAP MaxDB installations to the latest available versions that address the integer signedness error in the vserver component. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database services and ensure that only authorized systems can communicate with the vserver process. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory allocation and data processing operations. System administrators should also consider implementing application-level firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can monitor for known exploit patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications and that proper backup procedures are in place before implementing any security updates to prevent potential service disruption during the patching process.