CVE-2017-9844 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE
SAP NetWeaver 7400.12.21.30308 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted serialized Java object in a request to metadatauploader, aka SAP Security Note 2399804.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2025
SAP NetWeaver represents a comprehensive enterprise application platform that facilitates business process automation and integration across organizations. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9844 specifically targets the metadatauploader component within this platform, which serves as a critical interface for managing metadata objects. This component operates as a web service endpoint that processes serialized Java objects submitted through HTTP requests, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The affected version 7400.12.21.30308 demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the platform's object deserialization mechanism that allows malicious actors to manipulate the system through crafted requests.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation and handling of serialized Java objects within the metadatauploader service. When a request containing a maliciously crafted serialized object is submitted, the system fails to adequately sanitize or verify the object's contents before attempting deserialization. This vulnerability stems from the platform's reliance on standard Java deserialization mechanisms without proper input validation, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the running application server. The flaw operates at the core of Java's serialization framework, where untrusted data can trigger arbitrary code execution through the deserialization process, aligning with common patterns described in CWE-502. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's execution flow and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential full system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially gaining complete control over the application server and underlying infrastructure. The denial of service aspect of the vulnerability can disrupt business operations by making critical metadata management services unavailable, while the code execution capability allows for data exfiltration, system modification, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's presence in SAP NetWeaver makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where this platform serves as a foundation for critical business applications, as compromise of the metadata service can affect multiple interconnected systems that depend on proper metadata management. Organizations utilizing this platform face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, with the attack surface extending to any system that relies on the compromised metadata uploader functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9844 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by SAP through their Security Note 2399804, which addresses the specific deserialization vulnerability in the metadatauploader component. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the affected service, particularly disabling external access where possible. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help filter out malicious serialized objects before they reach the vulnerable deserialization logic. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in metadata service requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and code-level protections that prevent deserialization of untrusted input. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution, and organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and containment of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented mitigations and identify potential additional vulnerabilities in the SAP NetWeaver environment.