CVE-2022-22543 in NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP (Kernel) and ABAP Platform (Kernel) - versions KERNEL 7.22, 8.04, 7.49, 7.53, 7.77, 7.81, 7.85, 7.86, 7.87, KRNL64UC 8.04, 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, 7.53, KRNL64NUC 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, does not sufficiently validate sap-passport information, which could lead to a Denial-of-Service attack. This allows an unauthorized remote user to provoke a breakdown of the SAP Web Dispatcher or Kernel work process. The crashed process can be restarted immediately, other processes are not affected.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
CVE-2022-22543 represents a critical vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP and ABAP Platform kernels that stems from insufficient validation of sap-passport information. This weakness allows unauthorized remote attackers to execute denial-of-service attacks against SAP Web Dispatcher or Kernel work processes. The vulnerability affects multiple kernel versions including 7.22, 8.04, 7.49, 7.53, 7.77, 7.81, 7.85, 7.86, 7.87, along with specific KRNL64UC and KRNL64NUC variants. The technical flaw manifests in the kernel's failure to properly validate authentication tokens and passport information, creating an entry point for malicious actors to destabilize critical SAP infrastructure components. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 Access Control Issues and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service attacks, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in authentication mechanisms to disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it enables attackers to specifically target SAP Web Dispatcher processes and Kernel work processes. When exploited, the vulnerability causes immediate process crashes that can be rapidly restarted, but this immediate recovery does not mitigate the broader implications of repeated attacks or the potential for cascading failures within the SAP ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this weakness to repeatedly crash processes, consuming system resources and potentially causing extended downtime. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access or insider knowledge to compromise SAP systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed SAP infrastructure. The fact that other processes remain unaffected suggests the attack targets specific components rather than causing complete system failure, but this targeted approach can still severely impact business operations and SAP application availability.
Organizations affected by CVE-2022-22543 must implement immediate mitigations to protect their SAP environments from potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves applying SAP security patches and updates released by SAP to address the passport validation weakness in affected kernel versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of SAP systems to untrusted networks, particularly focusing on Web Dispatcher components. Implementing monitoring solutions that detect unusual process crash patterns and authentication anomalies can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their SAP system configurations to ensure proper authentication and authorization controls are in place. The vulnerability's classification as a denial-of-service attack means that traditional security controls like firewalls may not prevent exploitation, requiring more sophisticated detection and response mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing rate limiting and connection throttling measures for SAP Web Dispatcher to reduce the impact of potential abuse. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in SAP infrastructure components, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving threats in the SAP ecosystem.