CVE-2012-4341 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in msg_server.exe in SAP NetWeaver ABAP 7.x allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a (1) long parameter value, (2) crafted string size field, or (3) long Parameter Name string in a package with opcode 0x43 and sub opcode 0x4 to TCP port 3900.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4341 represents a critical security flaw in SAP NetWeaver ABAP 7.x systems that affects the msg_server.exe component. This issue manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity and availability. The vulnerability specifically targets TCP port 3900 and operates through a package structure with opcode 0x43 and sub opcode 0x4, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including long parameter values, crafted string size fields, or extended parameter name strings. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the message server component, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged for both denial of service and arbitrary code execution scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves stack-based buffer overflows which occur when the msg_server.exe process receives malformed input data without proper bounds checking. When processing packages with opcode 0x43 and sub opcode 0x4, the application fails to validate the length of incoming parameter values, string sizes, or parameter names before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and executing malicious code with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to SAP NetWeaver environments as it enables remote attackers to achieve complete system compromise. The ability to cause denial of service through system crashes represents an immediate availability threat that can disrupt critical business operations, while the arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations running SAP NetWeaver ABAP 7.x systems that are accessible over the network, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SAP systems often serve as central business application platforms. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple input vectors, increasing the probability of successful exploitation.
The exploitation of CVE-2012-4341 follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious payloads to gain code execution through buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including network segmentation to limit access to TCP port 3900, firewall rules to restrict connections to authorized systems only, and regular patch management to address the underlying vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate application of SAP security patches, implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns on port 3900, and comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling unnecessary SAP services and implementing strict access controls to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation of this vulnerability.