iDefense Security Advisory 07.30.08: SAP MaxDB dbmsrv Untrusted Execution Path Vulnerability
iDefense Security Advisory 07.30.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jul 30, 2008
I. BACKGROUND
SAP's MaxDB is a database software product. MaxDB was released as open
source from version 7.5 up to version 7.6.00. Later versions are no
longer open source but are available for download from the SAP SDN
website (sdn.sap.com) as a community edition with free community
support for public use beyond the scope of SAP applications. The
"dbmsrv" program is set-uid "sdb", set-gid "sdba", and installed by
default. For more information, visit the product's website at the
following URL.
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/maxdb
II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of an untrusted path vulnerability in the "dbmsrv"
program, as distributed with SAP AG's MaxDB, allow attackers to elevate
privileges to that of the "sdb" user.
When a local user runs the "dbmcli" program, the MaxDB executes a
"dbmsrv" process on the user's behalf. The "dbmsrv" process, which is
responsible for executing user commands, runs as the user "sdb" with
group "sdba".
This vulnerability exists due to improper sanitization of the "PATH"
environment variable. By prefixing the "PATH" environment variable with
a path under the attacker control, one is able to execute arbitrary code
with "sdb:sdba" privileges.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with
privileges of the database owner, usually "sdb". To exploit this
vulnerability, an attacker must have the ability to create executables
on the system.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in SAP MaxDB
version 7.6.03.15 on Linux. Other versions may also be vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any workaround for this issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
SAP AG has addressed this vulnerability by releasing a new version of
MaxDB. For more information, consult SAP note 1178438.
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-1810 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
03/27/2008 Initial vendor notification
04/01/2008 Initial vendor response
07/30/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.
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at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
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