CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-0017NVD status: Modified

NetWeaver AS for Java: Improper Access Control

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-0017 is a critical-severity improper access control vulnerability in NetWeaver AS for Java from SAP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected NetWeaver AS for Java versions: 7.50. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 15.7% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 3.09% of all scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of NetWeaver AS for Java you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on launchpad.support.sap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
SAPNetWeaver AS for Java7.50Not stated
SAPNetweaver Application Server For Java7.50Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.19.4CriticalCNA (sap.com)
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD

Official description

An unauthenticated attacker in SAP NetWeaver AS for Java - version 7.50, due to improper access control, can attach to an open interface and make use of an open naming and directory API to access services which can be used to perform unauthorized operations affecting users and data on the current system. This could allow the attacker to have full read access to user data, make modifications to user data, and make services within the system unavailable.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Access Control

The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
  • Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.

More Improper Access Control vulnerabilities (CWE-284)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in NetWeaver AS for Java

All NetWeaver AS for Java vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Access Control vulnerabilities

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