CVE-2015-2278 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
The LZH decompression implementation (CsObjectInt::BuildHufTree function in vpa108csulzh.cpp) in SAP MaxDB 7.5 and 7.6, Netweaver Application Server ABAP, Netweaver Application Server Java, Netweaver RFC SDK, GUI, RFC SDK, SAPCAR archive tool, and other products allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors, related to look-ups of non-simple codes, aka SAP Security Note 2124806, 2121661, 2127995, and 2125316.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2278 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the LZH decompression functionality of SAP MaxDB and related SAP products. This issue manifests in the CsObjectInt::BuildHufTree function located in the vpa108csulzh.cpp source file, where the decompression implementation fails to properly validate input data during the processing of non-simple codes. The flaw affects multiple SAP product lines including MaxDB 7.5 and 7.6, Netweaver Application Server ABAP and Java, RFC SDK components, GUI tools, and the SAPCAR archive utility. The vulnerability's impact extends across the SAP ecosystem due to the widespread use of these decompression routines in various data processing and archive operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation leading to memory safety issues.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted compressed data is processed through the affected LZH decompression routines. Attackers can manipulate the decompression process by providing specially constructed input that triggers the lookup of non-simple codes, causing the software to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds memory access typically results in application crashes or system instability, manifesting as denial of service conditions that can severely impact business operations. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to the input data format and the particular code paths taken during decompression operations. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate data processing operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2278 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability and integrity of critical SAP systems. Organizations relying on these affected products may experience unexpected application failures, system downtime, and potential data processing interruptions that can cascade across integrated business processes. The vulnerability's presence in core SAP components like the RFC SDK and GUI tools means that attacks could impact communication channels, data transfer operations, and user interface functionality. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service, and represents a significant risk to SAP environments where compressed data processing is common. The vulnerability's association with multiple SAP Security Notes indicates its widespread presence across the product portfolio and the need for coordinated patch management efforts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant SAP security patches and updates as referenced in the associated security notes 2124806, 2121661, 2127995, and 2125316. Network segmentation and input validation controls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to affected components and sanitizing compressed data before processing. System administrators should monitor for unusual application behavior or crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other decompression or data processing components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing compatibility issues. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms to prevent exploitation of similar memory safety vulnerabilities in the broader SAP ecosystem.