CVE-2024-45285 in NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP and ABAP Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
The RFC enabled function module allows a low privileged user to perform denial of service on any user and also change or delete favourite nodes. By sending a crafted packet in the function module targeting specific parameters, the specific targeted user will no longer have access to any functionality of SAP GUI. There is low impact on integrity and availability of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-45285 represents a critical security flaw within SAP's function module architecture that enables low privileged users to execute denial of service attacks against any user within the system. This weakness resides in the RFC (Remote Function Call) enabled function module implementation, which provides remote access capabilities for SAP applications. The flaw allows an attacker with minimal privileges to craft malicious packets that specifically target parameters within the function module, resulting in complete loss of functionality for the targeted user's SAP GUI interface. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authorization checks and weak access controls as classified by CWE-285, where the system fails to properly verify that users have appropriate permissions for the operations they attempt to perform. The attack vector specifically exploits the lack of proper input validation and parameter sanitization within the RFC module, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to manipulate system behavior through carefully constructed data inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in SAP's privilege management system where the function module does not adequately validate user permissions before executing operations on behalf of other users. When a malicious user sends crafted packets containing specific parameters, the system processes these inputs without proper authorization verification, leading to the targeted user losing access to all SAP GUI functionality. This behavior constitutes a complete denial of service condition that affects the availability of the application as defined in the CVSS impact metrics. The vulnerability's design allows for arbitrary targeting since any user within the system can potentially be affected, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different privilege levels exist. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, as it only requires crafting specific packet data rather than exploiting complex system vulnerabilities or requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45285 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it creates a persistent threat to business continuity and operational efficiency within SAP environments. Organizations relying on SAP systems for critical business processes face significant risk when this vulnerability exists, as it can be exploited to target specific high-value users such as administrators or business process owners. The ability to delete or modify favorite nodes adds an additional layer of integrity compromise, as these nodes often represent user preferences and frequently accessed system components that facilitate efficient workflow operations. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which describes network denial of service attacks, and also maps to T1566.001 for social engineering attacks that could exploit user trust to gain initial access. The low impact rating on integrity and availability may be misleading since the actual damage can be severe, particularly in mission-critical applications where user access is essential for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameter checking within RFC function modules, along with enhanced authorization controls that verify user permissions before executing operations on behalf of other users. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of RFC-enabled modules to untrusted networks. SAP customers should apply the latest security patches and updates provided by SAP to address this specific vulnerability, while also implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of function modules to ensure that proper authorization checks are in place and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the RFC implementation. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their SAP environments to identify and address similar privilege escalation and authorization bypass vulnerabilities that could enable similar attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include both perimeter security controls and internal access controls to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting legitimate system functions for malicious purposes.