CVE-2024-44120 Overview
CVE-2024-44120 is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal. The flaw stems from insufficient encoding of user-controlled input in the portal application. An unauthenticated attacker can craft a malicious URL and deliver it to a victim through phishing or other social engineering. If the victim clicks the crafted link, the injected script executes in the browser session. The attacker can then read and manipulate content in the browser under the victim's context. The vulnerability is categorized as [CWE-79] Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to read and manipulate browser content within the victim's authenticated session on SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal.
Affected Products
- SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-10 - CVE-2024-44120 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44120
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-44120 is a reflected XSS vulnerability affecting SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal. The application accepts user-supplied input through URL parameters and reflects that input back into HTTP responses without applying sufficient output encoding. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript that the victim's browser will execute in the origin context of the portal. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically clicking a crafted link before the request times out. The scope is changed under the CVSS model, meaning the injected script can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are limited but non-trivial because the attacker operates within an authenticated user session.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper output encoding when user-controlled parameters are inserted into HTML responses. The portal does not neutralize characters such as <, >, ", and ' before rendering them into the response body. This allows attacker-supplied script tags and event handlers to execute as JavaScript in the victim's browser.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is remote and requires no authentication or prior access. The attacker crafts a URL containing a JavaScript payload in a vulnerable parameter of the SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal. Delivery typically occurs through phishing email, chat messages, or malicious links on third-party sites. When the victim clicks the link within the session timeout window, the payload executes in the portal origin. The attacker can then exfiltrate session data, read displayed content, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. Refer to the SAP Note #3498221 and the SAP Security Patch Day Announcement for technical remediation details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44120
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal URLs containing script tags, javascript: URIs, or common XSS payload patterns in query parameters.
- Web server or reverse proxy logs showing reflected parameter values containing <script>, onerror=, onload=, or encoded variants.
- Referrer headers from external domains preceding portal requests with suspicious query strings.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag common XSS payload signatures targeting portal parameters.
- Review SAP NetWeaver access logs for URL parameters containing HTML control characters or encoded script content.
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for browser processes making unexpected outbound connections shortly after users visit portal URLs.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and centralize SAP NetWeaver Portal HTTP request logging with full URL and parameter capture.
- Alert on high-volume requests to portal endpoints originating from external referrers or link-shortening services.
- Correlate phishing email telemetry with portal URL clicks to identify targeted campaigns.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44120
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the SAP security patch referenced in SAP Note #3498221 to affected SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal instances.
- Inventory all SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal deployments and identify unpatched systems exposed to untrusted networks.
- Communicate phishing awareness guidance to users who access the portal, emphasizing caution with unsolicited portal links.
Patch Information
SAP published the fix on SAP Security Patch Day. Administrators should review SAP Note #3498221 and follow the vendor upgrade instructions. Additional context is available in the SAP Security Patch Day Announcement.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal to trusted network segments or VPN users where feasible.
- Deploy WAF rules to filter script-like payloads in URL parameters directed at portal endpoints.
- Enforce short session timeouts to reduce the window in which a reflected XSS link remains actionable.
- Configure Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the portal to limit inline script execution where supported.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
