CVE-2017-7717 in NetWeaver AS JAVA
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the getUserUddiElements method in the ES UDDI component in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.4 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors, aka SAP Security Note 2356504.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7717 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ES UDDI component of SAP NetWeaver AS Java version 7.4. This vulnerability affects the getUserUddiElements method which processes user requests for UDDI (Universal Description Discovery and Integration) elements within the SAP environment. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through unspecified input vectors, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise. The vulnerability was documented in SAP Security Note 2356504 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction within the UDDI component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the getUserUddiElements method. When authenticated users submit requests to retrieve UDDI elements, the system fails to adequately sanitize or escape input parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL Injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The attack vector operates through the authenticated user session, meaning that an attacker must first establish legitimate credentials before exploiting this vulnerability, though the impact remains severe once achieved.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7717 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system escalation. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive corporate data, modify database contents, create new database users, or even execute operating system commands on the underlying database server. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations running SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.4 environments where UDDI services are enabled, potentially compromising enterprise service registries that contain critical business information. The attack surface is significant as UDDI services are commonly used for service discovery and integration within enterprise architectures, making the impact felt across multiple business processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7717 require immediate implementation of SAP security patches and updates as provided in SAP Security Note 2356504. Organizations should ensure that all SAP NetWeaver AS Java systems are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the affected component would provide defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the attack surface, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, indicating that this flaw can be exploited through standard application layer attacks targeting exposed SAP services. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within their SAP environments and implement proper database access controls to limit the potential impact of successful attacks.