CVE-2022-41214 in NetWeaver Application Server ABAP
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
Due to insufficient input validation, SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP and ABAP Platform allows an attacker with high level privileges to use a remote enabled function to delete a file which is otherwise restricted. On successful exploitation an attacker can completely compromise the integrity and availability of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2022
This vulnerability exists within SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP and ABAP Platform components where inadequate input validation permits malicious exploitation by users with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically affects remote enabled functions that handle file operations, creating a path for unauthorized deletion of protected system files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are passed to file manipulation functions, allowing attackers to construct malicious payloads that bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent capabilities of SAP's remote function call (RFC) mechanism, which enables distributed processing across multiple system components. When an attacker with high-level privileges submits specially crafted parameters to a remote enabled function, the system fails to properly validate these inputs against expected file paths or operation types. This validation failure results in the execution of unintended file deletion operations on the underlying operating system, potentially targeting critical system files, configuration data, or application binaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard network communication protocols that SAP NetWeaver uses for inter-system communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of the entire application environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to disrupt business operations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations running SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP versions prior to the patched releases, creating a significant risk for enterprises that rely on SAP systems for mission-critical business processes. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform destructive operations that may require extensive system recovery efforts and could result in substantial financial and operational losses.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official SAP security patches released for this vulnerability, which typically address the input validation gaps through enhanced parameter sanitization and access control mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to SAP systems to only trusted sources, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual file deletion patterns or unauthorized RFC calls. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing RFC functions to identify and disable unnecessary remote enabled functions, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, organizations should implement robust logging and alerting mechanisms to track all file operations and access attempts, enabling rapid detection and response to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, Input Validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1486, Data Encrypted for Ransom, as it enables attackers to compromise system integrity and availability through destructive file operations.