CVE-2013-3244 in ERP Central Component
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in the CJDB_FILL_MEMORY_FROM_PPB function in the Project System (PS-IS) module for SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) RFC or (2) SOAP-RFC request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3244 resides within the Project System module of SAP ERP Central Component ECC, specifically within the CJDB_FILL_MEMORY_FROM_PPB function. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through two distinct attack vectors: RFC (Remote Function Call) and SOAP-RFC requests. The vulnerability affects the underlying memory management mechanisms within the PS-IS module, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The unspecified nature of the vulnerabilities suggests multiple potential attack surfaces within the memory handling function, making the threat landscape more complex and difficult to predict.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the CJDB_FILL_MEMORY_FROM_PPB function. When processing RFC or SOAP-RFC requests, the function fails to properly sanitize incoming data, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that manipulate memory allocation and execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write errors. The attack mechanism leverages the inherent trust relationships within SAP's communication protocols, where legitimate RFC and SOAP-RFC requests are processed without sufficient validation of the payload content, enabling attackers to exploit the memory handling function for unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive business data, system compromise, and lateral movement capabilities within SAP environments. Organizations utilizing affected SAP ERP ECC versions face significant risks including data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The remote nature of the attack vectors means that exploitation can occur from external networks without requiring physical access to the target systems. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where SAP systems are critical for business operations, potentially leading to substantial financial losses, operational disruption, and reputational damage. The attack surface is further expanded due to the common use of RFC and SOAP-RFC protocols in enterprise integration scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3244 should prioritize immediate patch application from SAP, as the vendor has released security notes and patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations must implement network segmentation to restrict access to SAP systems, particularly limiting RFC and SOAP-RFC access to trusted networks and authorized users only. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, monitoring for suspicious RFC and SOAP-RFC traffic patterns, and establishing robust access controls for SAP user accounts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities. Organizations should also consider implementing SAP-specific security tools and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory-related vulnerabilities in their SAP environments.