CVE-2021-21473 in NetWeaver AS ABAP
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2021
SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP and ABAP Platform, versions - 700, 702, 710, 711, 730, 731, 740, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, contains function module SRM_RFC_SUBMIT_REPORT which fails to validate authorization of an authenticated user thus allowing an unauthorized user to execute reports in SAP NetWeaver ABAP Platform.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21473 affects SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP and ABAP Platform across multiple versions including 700, 702, 710, 711, 730, 731, 740, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, and 755. This issue resides within the function module SRM_RFC_SUBMIT_REPORT which serves as a critical interface for report execution within the SAP ecosystem. The flaw represents a significant authorization bypass vulnerability that fundamentally undermines the security controls designed to protect sensitive business data and operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles that should govern all enterprise applications. Organizations utilizing these SAP versions face substantial risk as this vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute unauthorized reports that could potentially expose confidential business information or disrupt critical operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the function module SRM_RFC_SUBMIT_REPORT failing to properly validate user authorization credentials before permitting report execution. This authorization gap occurs during the RFC (Remote Function Call) processing within the ABAP platform, where the system should verify that the authenticated user possesses appropriate permissions to execute specific reports. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor pathway where any authenticated user can bypass the standard authorization checks that normally restrict access to sensitive reports based on user roles, profiles, and authorizations. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and access control enforcement, where the system assumes legitimate authorization without proper verification. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level within the ABAP runtime environment, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security controls and requiring deep application-level inspection to identify.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-21473 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access to reports, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of SAP business processes. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive financial reports, customer data, inventory information, or other confidential business intelligence that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The ability to execute arbitrary reports opens pathways for data exfiltration, manipulation of business data, or disruption of critical business operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as attackers can leverage authenticated sessions to gain elevated privileges through the authorization bypass. Organizations may face compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks including SOX, GDPR, or industry-specific standards that mandate proper access controls and data protection measures. The vulnerability also creates potential for insider threat exploitation, where malicious employees with legitimate access could abuse this flaw to access restricted information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant SAP security notes and patches released for this vulnerability, which typically involve strengthening authorization checks within the SRM_RFC_SUBMIT_REPORT function module. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual report execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Access controls should be reviewed and tightened to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, particularly for users who require access to report execution capabilities. Security monitoring solutions should be configured to track RFC calls and report execution activities, implementing alerting mechanisms for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive authorization reviews and privilege assessments to identify any additional vulnerabilities in their SAP environments. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that legitimate business functionality is not disrupted while addressing the authorization bypass vulnerability. Additionally, implementing SAP's built-in security features such as the User Authorization Check (SAP authorization objects) and regular security audits will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.