CVE-2023-24522 in NetWeaver AS ABAP
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
Due to insufficient input sanitization, SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP (Business Server Pages) - versions 700, 701, 702, 731, 740, allows an unauthenticated user to alter the current session of the user by injecting the malicious code over the network and gain access to the unintended data. This may lead to a limited impact on the confidentiality and the integrity of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2023
SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP Business Server Pages presents a critical security vulnerability through insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that enable arbitrary code injection attacks. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including 700, 701, 702, 731, and 740, creating a widespread exposure across the SAP ecosystem. The flaw operates at the application layer where user inputs are not adequately validated or sanitized before processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate session data without authentication. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be exploited through network-based attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate session tokens and gain unauthorized access to data that should remain protected, fundamentally undermining the application's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to inject malicious code that can alter the current session state of legitimate users. This session manipulation capability enables attackers to potentially access unintended data, perform unauthorized operations, and compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the application environment. The attack vector operates over the network, requiring no prior authentication credentials, which makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential privilege escalation and further exploitation opportunities within the SAP environment. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be maintained across multiple sessions and can potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve more extensive compromise.
The operational implications of CVE-2023-24522 are severe for organizations relying on SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP systems, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security controls. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, modification of critical business processes, and potential disruption of business operations. The vulnerability's impact on data integrity means that business-critical information could be altered without detection, leading to financial losses and regulatory compliance issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and session management manipulation, specifically falling under the T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) categories when combined with social engineering approaches. The lack of authentication requirements makes this a particularly attractive target for automated exploitation tools and increases the attack surface significantly.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest SAP security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and strengthening input validation controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and session management in enterprise applications, aligning with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additional protective measures should include monitoring for unusual session behavior, implementing robust logging and alerting mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across the SAP landscape. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewall protections and strengthening their overall security posture through comprehensive vulnerability management programs and regular security training for personnel responsible for SAP system administration.