CVE-2022-28217 in NetWeaver
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
Some part of SAP NetWeaver (EP Web Page Composer) does not sufficiently validate an XML document accepted from an untrusted source, which allows an adversary to exploit unprotected XML parking at endpoints, and a possibility to conduct SSRF attacks that could compromise system’s Availability by causing system to crash.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
SAP NetWeaver EP Web Page Composer contains a critical vulnerability that stems from insufficient XML document validation when processing inputs from untrusted sources. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate XML data structures in ways that bypass normal security controls and potentially compromise system integrity. The vulnerability specifically affects the XML parsing mechanisms within the web page composer component, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted XML documents can be accepted without proper validation checks. According to CWE-611, this represents an insufficient validation of XML external entity references, which directly enables the exploitation of unprotected XML parking at various endpoints within the system architecture.
The technical flaw manifests when the system processes XML documents that contain embedded references to external resources or malformed structures that can trigger unintended system behavior. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform server-side request forgery attacks by crafting XML payloads that reference internal system resources or external malicious endpoints. The SSRF capabilities emerge from the system's inability to properly validate and restrict XML document references, allowing adversaries to manipulate the parsing process to make unauthorized requests to internal services or external systems. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be particularly dangerous because it may not require authentication to exploit, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28217 extends beyond simple data compromise to include potential system availability issues that could result in denial of service conditions. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause system crashes or resource exhaustion, leading to complete service disruption for legitimate users. The attack vector allows adversaries to potentially cause cascading failures within the SAP NetWeaver environment, particularly affecting the web page composer functionality and related services. Organizations may experience significant downtime and require extensive recovery procedures to restore normal operations. The vulnerability's potential for system instability makes it particularly concerning for mission-critical applications that rely on continuous availability.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of XML validation controls and input sanitization measures within the SAP NetWeaver environment. Organizations should enforce strict XML parsing policies that prevent external entity references and restrict access to internal resources through XML processing. The recommended approach involves configuring the system to reject XML documents containing potentially dangerous elements or attributes, implementing proper access controls, and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework category TA0011, this vulnerability relates to privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques that attackers may use to maintain persistent access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the SAP ecosystem, while patch management processes should be prioritized to address this and related vulnerabilities promptly.