CVE-2026-24309: SAP NetWeaver ABAP Privilege Escalation

CVE-2026-24309 Overview

A missing authorization check vulnerability exists in SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP that allows an authenticated attacker to execute specific ABAP function modules to read, modify, or insert entries into the database configuration table of the ABAP system. This unauthorized content change could lead to reduced system performance or service interruptions. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-862 (Missing Authorization).

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can manipulate database configuration tables in SAP NetWeaver ABAP systems, potentially causing system performance degradation and service interruptions.

Affected Products

SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP

Discovery Timeline

2026-03-10 - CVE-2026-24309 published to NVD
2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24309

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a missing authorization check (CWE-862) in SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP. The flaw allows authenticated users to bypass intended access controls and execute specific ABAP function modules without proper authorization verification. Once exploited, an attacker can read, modify, or insert entries into the database configuration table of the ABAP system.

The attack is network-accessible and requires low complexity to exploit, though it does require valid authentication credentials. The changed scope indicates that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component itself, potentially impacting other connected SAP systems or services.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is a missing authorization check within specific ABAP function modules. When these function modules are invoked, the system fails to verify whether the authenticated user has the appropriate permissions to perform operations on the database configuration table. This authorization bypass allows users with minimal privileges to perform actions that should be restricted to system administrators.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and can be exploited by any authenticated user with access to the SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP environment. An attacker would need to:

Authenticate to the SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP
Identify and invoke the vulnerable ABAP function module
Execute unauthorized read, modify, or insert operations on the database configuration table
Manipulate system configuration settings to degrade performance or cause service interruptions

The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited with low attack complexity once authentication is established.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24309

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected modifications to database configuration tables in the ABAP system
Unusual function module calls from user accounts with limited privileges
Anomalous entries or changes in the system configuration logs
Performance degradation or service interruptions without clear root cause

Detection Strategies

Monitor SAP Security Audit Logs (SM21) for unauthorized function module executions
Implement real-time monitoring of database configuration table changes
Review user authorization profiles for excessive or inappropriate permissions
Enable and review transaction logging for sensitive ABAP function modules

Monitoring Recommendations

Configure SAP Solution Manager for continuous security monitoring
Set up alerts for configuration changes in critical system tables
Regularly audit user authorizations using SAP GRC Access Control
Monitor network traffic to SAP systems for unusual patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24309

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the security patch referenced in SAP Note #3703856
Review and restrict user authorizations for sensitive ABAP function modules
Enable comprehensive audit logging for database configuration changes
Monitor systems for signs of exploitation until patches are applied

Patch Information

SAP has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Organizations should consult SAP Note #3703856 for detailed patch information and installation instructions. The patch is also referenced in the SAP Security Patch Day Update.

Administrators should prioritize applying this patch to all affected SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP installations. The patch implements proper authorization checks for the affected ABAP function modules.

Workarounds

Restrict access to the vulnerable ABAP function modules using authorization objects
Implement additional authorization checks at the application layer
Limit network access to SAP systems to trusted users and networks only
Monitor and audit all function module executions until the patch can be applied

bash

# SAP authorization profile review command (example)
# Review user authorizations for sensitive function modules
# Transaction: SU01 - User Maintenance
# Transaction: SUIM - User Information System for authorization analysis
# Transaction: ST01 - System Trace for monitoring authorization checks