CVE-2011-1517 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
SAP NetWeaver 7.0 allows Remote Code Execution and Denial of Service caused by an error in the DiagTraceHex() function. By sending a specially-crafted packet, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the application to crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1517 affects SAP NetWeaver 7.0 systems and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks. This vulnerability stems from an implementation error within the DiagTraceHex() function, which is part of SAP's diagnostic tracing capabilities. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes specially crafted packets that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the diagnostic subsystem. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and reflects weaknesses in input validation that can lead to arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by sending maliciously formatted packets that trigger the flawed DiagTraceHex() function, causing the application to behave unpredictably and potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected service account.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how diagnostic and logging functions can become attack vectors when proper input sanitization is absent. The DiagTraceHex() function is designed to handle hexadecimal trace data, but fails to properly validate the length and format of incoming data structures. This allows attackers to craft packets that exceed buffer boundaries or manipulate memory structures within the application's diagnostic subsystem. When the vulnerable function processes these crafted inputs, it can cause stack corruption or heap manipulation that ultimately leads to application crashes or, in more sophisticated attacks, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without prior access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1517 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential full system compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause SAP NetWeaver applications to crash repeatedly, leading to service disruption and potential data loss. Organizations running SAP NetWeaver 7.0 systems face significant risk as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business data, disrupt critical business processes, or establish persistent access points within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the corporate network, potentially bypassing traditional perimeter security controls. This makes the impact particularly severe for organizations that have exposed SAP systems to the internet or have insufficient network segmentation controls in place. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate user privileges and access to system resources, potentially enabling attackers to escalate their privileges and maintain persistent access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying SAP security notes and patches that address the specific buffer overflow conditions in the DiagTraceHex() function. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate SAP NetWeaver systems from untrusted networks, while firewall rules should restrict access to diagnostic ports and services. Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on traffic to the vulnerable diagnostic functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for diagnostic and logging functions that may be exposed to untrusted inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the attack patterns are relatively predictable once the underlying flaw is understood. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include specific checks for this vulnerability to ensure comprehensive protection of SAP environments.