CVE-2024-54198 Overview
CVE-2024-54198 is a credential exposure vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP that allows authenticated attackers to craft malicious Remote Function Call (RFC) requests to restricted destinations. This vulnerability can be exploited to expose credentials for remote services, which can then be leveraged to fully compromise the affected remote service.
The vulnerability stems from improper control of dynamically-managed code resources (CWE-914), enabling attackers to bypass intended access restrictions on RFC destinations. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can pivot to connected systems, potentially causing significant damage to business-critical SAP infrastructure.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract credentials for remote services through crafted RFC requests, enabling complete compromise of connected systems with potential impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP (refer to SAP Note #3469791 for specific versions)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-54198 published to NVD
- 2024-12-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54198
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-914 (Improper Control of Dynamically-Managed Code Resources), indicating that the SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP fails to properly control access to dynamically-managed RFC destinations. The attack requires an authenticated user with network access, but once conditions are met, the attacker can manipulate RFC requests to target restricted destinations that should not be accessible.
The exploitation scenario involves an authenticated attacker crafting specially constructed RFC requests that bypass normal destination restrictions. When successful, these requests can leak authentication credentials configured for remote service connections. The exposed credentials provide the attacker with the ability to authenticate to and potentially fully compromise the connected remote services.
The scope is changed (per the CVSS vector), meaning successful exploitation affects resources beyond the vulnerable component itself—specifically the remote services whose credentials are exposed. This makes remediation particularly important as the blast radius extends beyond the initially compromised SAP system.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in improper validation and control of RFC destination access within SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP. The system fails to adequately restrict which RFC destinations an authenticated user can target, allowing attackers to craft requests that access destinations containing stored credentials for remote services. This design flaw enables the exposure of sensitive authentication data that should remain protected.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over the network and requires the attacker to have valid authentication credentials to the SAP NetWeaver system. While the attack complexity is noted as high due to specific conditions that must be met, an authenticated attacker with knowledge of the target environment can craft RFC requests designed to access restricted RFC destinations.
The exploitation flow typically involves:
- Attacker authenticates to the SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP with valid credentials
- Attacker identifies or enumerates available RFC destinations, including those with restricted access
- Attacker crafts malicious RFC requests targeting these restricted destinations
- The system improperly processes the requests, exposing credentials configured for remote service connections
- Attacker uses the obtained credentials to authenticate to and compromise the remote service
Technical details regarding the specific RFC functions and exploitation techniques can be found in SAP Note #3469791.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54198
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual RFC call patterns from authenticated users targeting restricted destinations
- Unexpected access attempts to RFC destinations configured with stored credentials
- Authentication events on remote services from unexpected source systems
- Anomalous patterns in SAP transaction logs related to RFC destination access
Detection Strategies
- Monitor SAP Security Audit Log (SM21) for unusual RFC destination access patterns
- Implement alerting on RFC calls to sensitive or restricted destinations outside of normal business operations
- Review access logs on remote services for unexpected authentication attempts using stored credentials
- Deploy SIEM rules to correlate RFC activity with subsequent remote service access
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for RFC destination access in SAP NetWeaver
- Configure real-time alerting for access to RFC destinations containing credential information
- Establish baselines for normal RFC communication patterns to identify anomalies
- Integrate SAP security logs with enterprise SIEM solutions for centralized monitoring
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54198
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch referenced in SAP Note #3469791
- Review and restrict RFC destination access permissions for all users
- Audit existing RFC destinations and identify those containing stored credentials for remote services
- Rotate credentials for any remote services connected via RFC destinations as a precautionary measure
Patch Information
SAP has released a security patch to address this vulnerability. Administrators should apply the patch documented in SAP Note #3469791 immediately. The patch was announced as part of the SAP Security Patch Day program.
Organizations should follow their standard SAP patching procedures, including testing in non-production environments before deploying to production systems. Given the potential for credential exposure and lateral movement, expedited patching is recommended.
Workarounds
- Restrict RFC destination access to only essential users and roles until patching is complete
- Implement additional authorization checks for RFC calls to sensitive destinations
- Consider temporarily disabling non-essential RFC destinations containing stored credentials
- Enhance monitoring and alerting for RFC destination access during the remediation window
- Segment network access to limit which systems can reach RFC-enabled SAP components
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
