CVE-2015-2815 in NetWeaver Dispatcher
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the C_SAPGPARAM function in the NetWeaver Dispatcher in SAP KERNEL 7.00 (7000.52.12.34966) and 7.40 (7400.12.21.30308) allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka SAP Security Note 2063369.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2815 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the NetWeaver Dispatcher component of SAP systems, specifically affecting SAP KERNEL versions 7.00 and 7.40. This vulnerability resides in the C_SAPGPARAM function, which serves as a crucial interface for parameter handling within the SAP NetWeaver environment. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain input parameters that exceed allocated buffer boundaries, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects core SAP infrastructure components that are fundamental to enterprise business operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt critical business processes or gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the C_SAPGPARAM function. When authenticated users submit specially crafted parameters to the NetWeaver Dispatcher, the system fails to properly validate the length of input data against predetermined buffer limits. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executing arbitrary code within the context of the affected process. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers with valid SAP user credentials can exploit this flaw without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests multiple potential exploitation paths, including parameter manipulation, input field tampering, or manipulation of communication protocols that interact with the vulnerable function.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2815 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, presenting significant risks to enterprise security and business continuity. A successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SAP service account, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or lateral movement within the enterprise network. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service represents a direct threat to business operations, as SAP systems typically serve as the backbone for enterprise resource planning and critical business applications. Organizations relying on SAP NetWeaver environments face potential disruptions to financial systems, supply chain management, and other mission-critical processes that could result in substantial financial losses and operational downtime. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that could enable attackers to gain administrative access to entire SAP landscapes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2815 should encompass both immediate patching measures and broader security enhancements within SAP environments. SAP released security notes and patches specifically addressing this vulnerability, including SAP Security Note 2063369 which provides detailed guidance for system administrators. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant SAP kernel patches and security updates as soon as possible, while also implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual parameter handling patterns or authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions in stack-based buffers, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework category T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499 for endpoint disruption. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions within other SAP components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.