CVE-2010-1185 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in serv.exe in SAP MaxDB 7.4.3.32, and 7.6.0.37 through 7.6.06 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid length parameter in a handshake packet to TCP port 7210. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1185 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in SAP MaxDB database software versions 7.4.3.32 and 7.6.0.37 through 7.6.0.6. This security weakness exists within the serv.exe component that handles database connections and operates on TCP port 7210. The flaw manifests when the system receives a malformed handshake packet containing an invalid length parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates how network services can become attack vectors when input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize incoming data streams.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to send a specially crafted handshake packet to the target system's TCP port 7210, where the serv.exe process listens for database connection requests. The malformed packet contains an invalid length parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow condition. When the system attempts to process this oversized parameter without proper bounds checking, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through network-based attacks targeting vulnerable software components. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption.
The operational implications of CVE-2010-1185 are severe for organizations running affected SAP MaxDB versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication credentials. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where database services are accessible over networks or the internet. Organizations utilizing SAP MaxDB 7.4.3.32 or 7.6.0.37 through 7.6.0.6 are at risk of unauthorized access to their database systems, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data and allowing attackers to establish persistent access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version ranges indicates a long-standing issue that affected a significant portion of SAP MaxDB deployments, making it a prime target for automated exploitation attempts. Security teams must consider the potential for widespread impact across enterprise environments that rely on SAP database solutions, particularly those with exposed database ports.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1185 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest SAP security updates and service packs that address this specific buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 7210, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. Additional defensive measures include deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious handshake packet patterns and implementing proper input validation at network boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive monitoring of database access logs and network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary database services and implementing strict firewall rules to prevent unauthorized access to database ports, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other database components that may present similar attack surfaces.