CVE-2021-38176
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an SQL injection vulnerability in SAP systems where authenticated users with specific privileges can execute manipulated queries or inject ABAP code to access the backend database. Successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects SAP systems with improper input sanitization in NZDT function modules.
💻 Affected Systems
- SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP
📦 What is this software?
Landscape Transformation Replication Server by Sap
View all CVEs affecting Landscape Transformation Replication Server →
Landscape Transformation Replication Server by Sap
View all CVEs affecting Landscape Transformation Replication Server →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing threat actors to steal sensitive data, modify or delete database contents, and potentially gain persistent access to the entire SAP environment.
Likely Case
Unauthorized database access leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the SAP landscape.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls and input validation, potentially resulting in failed exploitation attempts or minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and specific privileges; ABAP/SQL knowledge needed for successful injection
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply SAP Security Note 3089831
Vendor Advisory: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/3089831
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download SAP Note 3089831 from SAP Support Portal. 2. Apply the note using SAP Note Assistant or transaction SNOTE. 3. Restart affected SAP systems. 4. Verify successful implementation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Access to NZDT Function Modules
allLimit user access to vulnerable NZDT function modules through authorization objects
Use transaction SU24 to adjust authorization objects for affected function modules
Implement Input Validation
allAdd additional input validation checks in custom code calling vulnerable functions
Review and harden ABAP code that processes user input for database operations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit which users can execute NZDT function modules
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if SAP Note 3089831 is implemented using transaction SNOTE or check system version against affected versions in SAP advisoryCheck Version:
Execute transaction SM51 or check system info in SAP GUIVerify Fix Applied:
Verify SAP Note 3089831 implementation status and test vulnerable function modules with controlled input📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual database queries from NZDT function modules
- Multiple failed authorization attempts for sensitive transactions
- ABAP runtime errors related to SQL execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual database traffic patterns from SAP application servers
- SQL error messages in network traffic
SIEM Query:
source="sap_audit_log" AND (event_id="AU1" OR event_id="AU2") AND (message="*NZDT*" OR message="*SQL injection*")