CVE-2024-41732 in NetWeaver Application Server ABAP
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2024
SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP allows an unauthenticated attacker to craft a URL link that could bypass allowlist controls. Depending on the web applications provided by this server, the attacker might inject CSS code or links into the web application that could allow the attacker to read or modify information. There is no impact on availability of application.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2025
SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP represents a critical infrastructure component within enterprise IT environments, serving as a foundation for business applications and web services. This server platform hosts numerous web applications that process sensitive business data and facilitate enterprise operations. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41732 resides within the server's URL handling mechanisms and specifically targets the allowlist controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to application resources. These allowlist controls function as security barriers that restrict access to specific URLs and resources based on predefined authorization rules, forming a fundamental layer of defense against unauthorized information disclosure and modification attempts.
The technical flaw in CVE-2024-41732 exploits a weakness in the URL validation process that permits attackers to craft specially crafted URL links capable of bypassing established allowlist restrictions. This vulnerability operates through a path traversal or input validation bypass mechanism that allows attackers to manipulate the URL parsing logic within the ABAP server. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious CSS code or hyperlinks into web applications hosted on the server, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This particular weakness allows attackers to manipulate the server's URL handling behavior in a way that undermines the security controls designed to protect against unauthorized access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential pathways for data manipulation and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could inject malicious code into web applications, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or modification of critical business data. The ability to inject CSS code provides attackers with additional attack vectors that could be used for phishing attempts, credential harvesting, or creating misleading user interfaces that deceive end users. The absence of impact on application availability suggests that while the vulnerability enables unauthorized access and data manipulation, it does not directly cause service disruption, making it particularly dangerous as it operates silently in the background while potentially compromising data integrity and confidentiality.
Organizations utilizing SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP must implement immediate mitigations to address CVE-2024-41732. The primary recommendation involves updating the affected SAP NetWeaver Application Server to the latest security patches provided by SAP, which should address the URL validation bypass mechanism. Network segmentation and additional monitoring of web application traffic can help detect anomalous URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should review and strengthen allowlist configurations to ensure that URL validation is properly enforced and that all incoming requests undergo rigorous validation before being processed. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks through malicious links, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional input validation controls to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in the broader application ecosystem.