CVE-2022-28215 in NetWeaver ABAP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
SAP NetWeaver ABAP Server and ABAP Platform - versions 740, 750, 787, allows an unauthenticated attacker to redirect users to a malicious site due to insufficient URL validation. This could lead to the user being tricked to disclose personal information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2022
SAP NetWeaver ABAP Server and ABAP Platform versions 740, 750, and 787 contain a critical vulnerability that stems from inadequate URL validation mechanisms within the application's redirect functionality. This flaw represents a classic implementation of CWE-601, URL Redirection to Untrusted Site vulnerability, where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize URLs before executing redirects. The vulnerability exists in the core authentication and session management components of these SAP platforms, specifically affecting the ABAP server's handling of external URL references during user navigation flows. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that appear legitimate but redirect users to attacker-controlled domains, creating a sophisticated social engineering vector that bypasses traditional security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the redirect parameters without requiring any valid session or credentials to exploit the flaw. When users interact with SAP applications that contain links or redirect functionality, the system processes these URLs without sufficient validation checks, enabling attackers to inject malicious domains into the redirect chain. This weakness specifically affects the ABAP platform's HTTP redirect handling mechanisms, where URL validation is either completely absent or insufficiently implemented to prevent the inclusion of external domains that could host phishing or malware delivery sites. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be triggered through various user interactions including login redirects, help system navigation, or external integration points that rely on URL parameters for redirection purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for credential theft, malware distribution, and advanced persistent threat campaigns. Users who are tricked into following malicious redirects may unknowingly provide sensitive information to attackers who have positioned themselves on the redirected domains, potentially compromising corporate networks and sensitive data. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, Phishing, by enabling attackers to create convincing phishing campaigns that leverage the legitimate SAP platform as a delivery mechanism. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SAP NetWeaver ABAP platforms are widely deployed in enterprise environments where users frequently access applications with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for organizations.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive URL validation measures that enforce strict domain whitelisting for all redirect operations within SAP systems. The recommended mitigations include implementing robust input validation that filters all URL parameters against a predefined list of trusted domains, deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, and conducting thorough penetration testing to identify all potential redirect endpoints within the SAP environment. Security teams must also establish monitoring procedures that track redirect activities and alert on unusual URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, SAP customers should upgrade to patched versions of the affected platforms as soon as possible, as the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication and provides attackers with a persistent method to compromise user sessions and access corporate resources through legitimate application pathways. The implementation of these controls aligns with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure application development and vulnerability management.