CVE-2016-10311 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 through 7.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service () by sending a crafted packet to the SAPSTARTSRV port, aka SAP Security Note 2295238.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10311 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within SAP NetWeaver versions 7.0 through 7.5 that specifically affects the SAPSTARTSRV component. This vulnerability resides in the network communication handling mechanism of the SAP NetWeaver application server, where the system fails to properly validate input data received through network connections. The flaw manifests when the SAPSTARTSRV service processes incoming packets on its designated port, creating a condition where maliciously crafted data can exceed the allocated stack buffer space. According to SAP Security Note 2295238, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to exploit the system without requiring authentication or prior access to the network, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SAP systems are commonly deployed. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of network packets, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is classified as network-based remote exploitation, placing it within the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and the T1499.004 sub-technique for Network Denial of Service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of SAP NetWeaver systems that are critical to enterprise business operations. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the SAPSTARTSRV process to crash, resulting in complete service disruption for applications relying on the affected SAP NetWeaver infrastructure. Organizations using SAP systems for financial management, enterprise resource planning, or other mission-critical business functions face significant operational risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit the flaw from outside the corporate network, potentially targeting exposed SAP systems that are not properly secured behind firewalls or network segmentation controls. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because SAP NetWeaver systems often serve as central components in enterprise IT infrastructures, making their compromise a potential gateway for broader network infiltration. The impact on business continuity is substantial, as SAP systems typically handle core enterprise functions including ERP, CRM, and supply chain management processes. The vulnerability also represents a significant challenge for security teams who must balance the need for immediate patching with the potential disruption to business operations that system updates can cause.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10311 should prioritize immediate implementation of SAP security patches and updates as recommended in SAP Security Note 2295238, which provides specific guidance on addressing the buffer overflow condition through code modifications and input validation improvements. Network-level defenses should include strict access controls and firewall rules that limit exposure of the SAPSTARTSRV port to trusted networks only, effectively reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate SAP systems from general network traffic, ensuring that even if an attacker compromises one system, they cannot easily move laterally through the network infrastructure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns or repeated connection attempts to the SAPSTARTSRV port, which could indicate exploitation attempts. System hardening measures should include disabling unnecessary services and ports, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other SAP components or third-party applications. The remediation process must also consider the broader SAP ecosystem, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other SAP products and versions, requiring comprehensive security assessments across all SAP installations. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust incident response procedures specifically tailored for SAP-related security incidents, ensuring that security teams are prepared to respond quickly to exploitation attempts and minimize business impact during remediation activities.