CVE-2026-0486: SAP ABAP Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-0486 Overview

CVE-2026-0486 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affecting ABAP-based SAP systems. The vulnerability exists in a remote-enabled function module that fails to perform necessary authorization checks for authenticated users. This security flaw allows authenticated attackers to access system information that should be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive configuration details and internal system data.

Critical Impact

Authenticated users can bypass authorization controls to access protected system information in SAP ABAP environments, potentially enabling reconnaissance for further attacks.

Affected Products

• SAP ABAP-based systems with remote-enabled function modules
• SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP (specific versions referenced in SAP Note #3691645)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-10 - CVE-2026-0486 published to NVD
• 2026-02-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0486

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a missing authorization check in a remote-enabled function module within SAP ABAP-based systems. When an authenticated user invokes this function module via Remote Function Call (RFC), the system fails to verify whether the user possesses the appropriate authorization objects required to access the requested system information.

The vulnerability allows attackers with valid SAP credentials to retrieve system information they would not normally be authorized to access. While the impact is limited to information disclosure with no effect on system integrity or availability, the exposed data could reveal internal system configurations, version details, or other sensitive metadata that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks against the SAP landscape.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means it can be exploited remotely by any authenticated user, regardless of their assigned role or authorization profile. The scope change indicated in the vulnerability assessment suggests that the disclosed information could potentially impact resources beyond the vulnerable component itself.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-0486 is the absence of proper authorization checks (CWE-862: Missing Authorization) in the affected remote-enabled function module. SAP ABAP systems rely on authorization objects and checks to enforce access control. When a function module is remote-enabled, it becomes accessible via RFC connections, making authorization verification critical. In this case, the function module was implemented without the requisite AUTHORITY-CHECK statements that would validate user permissions before returning system information.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring the attacker to have authenticated access to the SAP system. The exploitation flow involves:

1. An attacker establishes an RFC connection to the target SAP system using valid credentials
2. The attacker invokes the vulnerable remote-enabled function module
3. The function module executes without performing authorization checks
4. System information is returned to the attacker regardless of their authorization profile

The vulnerability requires low attack complexity and no user interaction, making it straightforward to exploit once an attacker has authenticated access. The information disclosed could include system parameters, configuration settings, or internal metadata that aids in planning subsequent attacks.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0486

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual RFC calls to the affected function module from unexpected users or systems
• Increased frequency of function module invocations from low-privileged accounts
• Access logs showing system information queries from accounts without appropriate authorization objects
• Anomalous patterns in Security Audit Log (SAL) entries related to RFC activity

Detection Strategies

• Enable and monitor SAP Security Audit Log (SAL) for RFC function module calls
• Configure transaction SM21 system log monitoring for suspicious remote function access patterns
• Implement SAP Enterprise Threat Detection (ETD) rules to identify unauthorized information access attempts
• Review transaction ST01 traces for abnormal authorization check patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline RFC communication patterns and alert on deviations
• Monitor user activity logs for accounts accessing system information functions without business justification
• Implement real-time alerting for function module calls from service accounts or technical users
• Regularly audit RFC destinations and connections for unauthorized access paths

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0486

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the security patch referenced in SAP Note #3691645
• Review and restrict RFC access to the affected function module using transaction SM59
• Audit user authorizations and remove unnecessary RFC privileges from accounts
• Enable enhanced logging for the affected function module to track access attempts

Patch Information

SAP has released a security patch addressing this vulnerability as part of their Security Patch Day. Organizations should review and apply the fix documented in SAP Note #3691645. The patch introduces proper authorization checks to the affected remote-enabled function module, ensuring that only users with appropriate authorization objects can access the system information. Additional details and patch availability can be found on the SAP Security Patch Day portal.

Workarounds

• Restrict RFC access to the vulnerable function module by modifying authorization profiles until the patch can be applied
• Implement additional authorization checks at the application level using SAP's unified connectivity framework
• Temporarily disable remote-enabled access to the affected function module if business operations permit
• Apply network-level restrictions to limit RFC access to trusted IP ranges only