CVE-2022-41273 in Sourcing
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Due to improper input sanitization in SAP Sourcing and SAP Contract Lifecycle Management - version 1100, an attacker can redirect a user to a malicious website. In order to perform this attack, the attacker sends an email to the victim with a manipulated link that appears to be a legitimate SAP Sourcing URL, since the victim doesn’t suspect the threat, they click on the link, log in to SAP Sourcing and CLM and at this point, they get redirected to a malicious website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41273 represents a critical security flaw in SAP Sourcing and SAP Contract Lifecycle Management applications, specifically affecting version 1100. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly validate and sanitize user-provided data within URL parameters. The flaw creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can craft deceptive links that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, exploiting the trust relationship between users and the SAP application environment. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components responsible for handling user navigation and URL processing within the SAP ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate URL parameters in a way that bypasses normal security checks and validation processes. When users encounter a crafted link in email communications, the malicious URL appears authentic because it maintains the legitimate SAP domain structure and interface elements. The attack vector relies on the principle of social engineering combined with technical exploitation, where users are tricked into clicking on seemingly harmless links that contain maliciously crafted parameters. The vulnerability essentially creates an open redirect condition where the application fails to properly validate the destination URL against a whitelist of approved domains, allowing redirection to arbitrary external websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attempts, creating a pathway for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, malware distribution, and data exfiltration. When victims authenticate to the legitimate SAP application through the manipulated link, they inadvertently provide attackers with access to sensitive business data and operational systems. The attack can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where SAP systems contain critical procurement data, contract information, and business-critical processes. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of organizations by creating a trusted path that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to corporate resources.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with immediate patching of affected SAP versions and implementing strict URL validation policies. The recommended mitigations include enforcing strict input validation on all URL parameters, implementing a comprehensive domain whitelist for external redirects, and deploying user education programs to recognize suspicious email communications. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect and can be addressed using ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through spearphishing and credential access through social engineering. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.