CVE-2025-23186 Overview
CVE-2025-23186 is a code injection vulnerability (CWE-94) affecting SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP. Under certain conditions, an authenticated attacker can craft a malicious Remote Function Call (RFC) request to restricted destinations, potentially exposing credentials for remote services. These stolen credentials can then be leveraged to completely compromise the remote service, resulting in significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can exploit RFC request handling to expose remote service credentials, enabling full compromise of connected systems and potential lateral movement across the SAP landscape.
Affected Products
- SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP (versions as specified in SAP Note #3554667)
Discovery Timeline
- April 8, 2025 - CVE-2025-23186 published to NVD
- April 8, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-23186
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability exists within the Remote Function Call (RFC) handling mechanism of SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP. The flaw allows authenticated users to bypass intended restrictions when making RFC requests to remote destinations. When exploited, the vulnerability exposes credentials stored for remote service connections, which attackers can harvest and reuse to gain unauthorized access to those remote systems.
The attack requires network access and valid authentication to the SAP system, but once those prerequisites are met, an attacker can target RFC destinations that should normally be restricted. The scope of impact extends beyond the vulnerable component itself (changed scope), as compromised credentials can be used to attack connected remote services, potentially cascading into a broader infrastructure compromise.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from improper code injection controls (CWE-94) in the RFC request handling logic. The SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP fails to adequately validate or restrict RFC requests to certain destinations, allowing authenticated users to craft requests that access restricted RFC destinations. This design flaw enables credential exposure through the improper handling of destination configurations and stored authentication data.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over the network by an authenticated user who crafts specially formed RFC requests. The attacker targets restricted RFC destinations that contain credentials for remote services. The attack flow involves:
- Authenticating to the SAP NetWeaver ABAP system with valid credentials
- Identifying RFC destinations configured with stored credentials for remote services
- Crafting malicious RFC requests that bypass destination restrictions
- Extracting exposed credentials from the response or error handling
- Using the harvested credentials to authenticate to and compromise remote services
The vulnerability requires low privileges but involves high attack complexity, suggesting specific conditions must be met for successful exploitation.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-23186
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual RFC calls to restricted or rarely-accessed destinations from unexpected user accounts
- Anomalous authentication attempts to remote services using credentials stored in RFC destinations
- Unexpected access patterns to SM59 (RFC destination configuration) or related transactions
- Failed authentication events followed by successful authentication using different credential sources
Detection Strategies
- Monitor RFC destination access logs for unauthorized or anomalous access patterns
- Implement alerting on RFC calls targeting sensitive or restricted destinations
- Audit user activities around RFC configuration and remote service authentication
- Enable detailed logging for RFC gateway and communication channel activities
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure SAP Security Audit Log (SM21) to capture RFC-related events
- Deploy network monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections from SAP systems
- Implement SIEM correlation rules for RFC destination abuse patterns
- Regularly review RFC destination configurations and associated credential access
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-23186
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch referenced in SAP Note #3554667 immediately
- Review and restrict RFC destination access permissions to minimum required users
- Audit current RFC destination configurations for unnecessary stored credentials
- Monitor for any signs of exploitation while patching is in progress
- Consider temporarily disabling non-essential RFC destinations until patched
Patch Information
SAP has released a security patch addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult SAP Note #3554667 for detailed patch information and implementation guidance. The patch is also referenced in the SAP Security Patch Day announcement. Organizations should prioritize deployment given the potential for credential theft and subsequent compromise of connected systems.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to RFC destination configuration transactions (SM59) to authorized administrators only
- Implement strong authorization controls using SAP authorization objects for RFC access
- Consider removing stored credentials from RFC destinations where possible, using alternative authentication methods
- Segment network access to limit exposure of SAP systems to trusted networks only
- Enable additional logging and monitoring while awaiting patch deployment
Administrators should implement the following authorization restrictions to limit RFC destination access:
* Review and restrict authorization for S_RFC authorization object
* Ensure RFC destinations are protected with appropriate authorization checks
* Transaction: SU24 - Maintain default authorization values
* Review authorization object S_RFCACL for RFC call access control
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
