CVE-2026-23681 Overview
CVE-2026-23681 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affecting the SAP Support Tools Plug-In. Due to missing authorization check in a function module, an authenticated attacker could invoke specific function modules to retrieve information about the system and its configuration. This disclosure of system information could assist the attacker in planning subsequent attacks.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can bypass authorization controls to extract sensitive system configuration data, potentially enabling reconnaissance for follow-up attacks against SAP environments.
Affected Products
- SAP Support Tools Plug-In (specific versions not disclosed)
Discovery Timeline
- February 10, 2026 - CVE-2026-23681 published to NVD
- February 10, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-23681
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from a Missing Authorization weakness (CWE-862) within the SAP Support Tools Plug-In. The affected component fails to properly validate whether an authenticated user has the necessary permissions before allowing access to specific function modules. As a result, any authenticated user—regardless of their assigned authorization profile—can invoke these function modules to retrieve system information that should be restricted to privileged administrators.
The information disclosed through this vulnerability includes system configuration details that could provide valuable intelligence for attackers planning additional exploitation attempts. While the immediate impact is limited to information disclosure with no direct effect on system integrity or availability, the reconnaissance value of this data should not be underestimated in enterprise SAP environments.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2026-23681 is the absence of proper authorization checks within specific function modules of the SAP Support Tools Plug-In. When function modules are invoked, the application fails to verify that the calling user possesses the appropriate authorization objects or privileges. This missing access control allows any authenticated user to execute function calls that should be restricted to administrative roles, resulting in unauthorized information disclosure.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2026-23681 is network-based, requiring the attacker to have authenticated access to the SAP system. The exploitation path involves:
- An attacker obtains valid credentials for any SAP user account
- The attacker identifies and invokes the vulnerable function modules within the SAP Support Tools Plug-In
- Due to missing authorization checks, the function modules execute regardless of the user's privilege level
- System configuration information is returned to the attacker
- The attacker uses this information to map the environment and plan subsequent attacks
The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction, and can be exploited remotely over the network with low attack complexity.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-23681
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual function module calls to SAP Support Tools Plug-In from non-administrative user accounts
- Increased access patterns to system configuration retrieval functions by low-privileged users
- Anomalous SAP transaction logs showing unauthorized function module invocations
- Multiple configuration data requests from a single authenticated session in a short timeframe
Detection Strategies
- Monitor SAP Security Audit Logs (SM21) for unauthorized function module calls to the Support Tools Plug-In
- Implement User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to detect anomalous access patterns by authenticated users
- Configure SAP Solution Manager to alert on unusual function module invocation sequences
- Review SAP transaction logs for access to system configuration data by non-administrative accounts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for SAP Support Tools Plug-In function module calls
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity XDR to correlate SAP security events with broader threat activity
- Establish baseline access patterns for function modules and alert on deviations
- Integrate SAP security logs with your SIEM platform for centralized monitoring and correlation
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-23681
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch referenced in SAP Security Note #3680416 immediately
- Review and restrict user access to the SAP Support Tools Plug-In to only authorized administrators
- Audit existing user authorizations to ensure principle of least privilege is enforced
- Monitor for exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerable function modules
Patch Information
SAP has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Organizations should apply the patch as documented in SAP Security Note #3680416. Additional details about SAP security updates can be found on the SAP Security Patch Day page. The patch implements proper authorization checks for the affected function modules, ensuring that only users with appropriate privileges can invoke them.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the SAP Support Tools Plug-In by limiting authorization profiles until the patch can be applied
- Remove unnecessary access to the affected function modules through SAP role modifications
- Implement network segmentation to limit which systems can reach SAP application servers
- Enable enhanced monitoring and logging for the affected components to detect exploitation attempts
# SAP Configuration: Restrict function module access via authorization objects
# Add authorization checks in transaction SU01 for affected users
# Navigate to: SU01 > Select User > Change > Authorizations
# Remove or restrict access to the affected function modules
# Verify authorization profiles using transaction SUIM
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
