CVE-2026-44769 Overview
CVE-2026-44769 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] in the SAP S/4HANA Project Management (PPM-PRO) application. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can execute crafted database queries against the backend database. Successful exploitation exposes data stored in the underlying database and can influence application state through unintended query behavior.
The flaw is network-reachable and requires no user interaction. Attack complexity is high, and the vulnerability requires elevated privileges to exploit. SAP addressed the issue in the SAP Security Patch Day release referenced in SAP Note #3537373.
Critical Impact
Attackers with high-privilege access to PPM-PRO can craft SQL queries that read data from the backend database and cause limited impact to integrity and availability of the S/4HANA application.
Affected Products
- SAP S/4HANA
- SAP S/4HANA Project Management component (PPM-PRO)
- Deployments exposing PPM-PRO functionality to authenticated users
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-14 - CVE-2026-44769 published to NVD
- 2026-07-14 - Last updated in NVD database
- SAP Security Patch Day - SAP released fix documented in SAP Note #3537373
Technical Details for CVE-2026-44769
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the PPM-PRO (Project Management) component of SAP S/4HANA. User-controlled input flows into database query construction without adequate parameterization or sanitization. An attacker with high privileges can inject SQL fragments that the backend database executes as part of the intended query.
Because the flaw is classified as SQL Injection [CWE-89], exploitation typically involves manipulating request parameters that PPM-PRO uses to build queries. The result is unauthorized read access to database contents and limited write or availability effects depending on the query context.
The attack vector is Network, meaning the vulnerable endpoint is reachable over the S/4HANA HTTP/RFC surface. Attack complexity is High, which reflects environmental conditions or preparation the attacker must satisfy before the crafted query executes successfully.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within PPM-PRO query handling. Input intended as data is concatenated into SQL statements, allowing attacker-supplied syntax to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker holding high privileges in the S/4HANA environment sends a crafted request to a PPM-PRO endpoint. The injected SQL executes against the backend database with the privileges of the application's database user. Full technical details are restricted to authenticated SAP customers via SAP Note #3537373.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2026-44769. Refer to the SAP Security Patch Day portal for advisory access.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-44769
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SQL syntax characters (single quotes, --, UNION, ;) inside PPM-PRO request parameters logged by the SAP Web Dispatcher or ICM
- Database audit entries showing PPM-PRO service users executing queries against tables outside the component's normal data scope
- HTTP 500 or ABAP short dumps (ST22) referencing PPM-PRO function modules combined with SQL parsing errors
Detection Strategies
- Enable SAP Read Access Logging (RAL) for PPM-PRO endpoints and alert on anomalous parameter payloads
- Correlate application-layer requests with backend database query logs to identify queries that deviate from the PPM-PRO baseline
- Monitor privileged user sessions accessing PPM-PRO functionality for abnormal query volume or scope
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward SAP Security Audit Log (SM19/SM20), gateway logs, and database audit logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation
- Track high-privilege accounts capable of invoking PPM-PRO transactions and review for out-of-pattern activity
- Alert on ABAP runtime errors related to OPEN SQL or Native SQL exceptions originating from PPM-PRO function groups
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-44769
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the SAP-provided patch referenced in SAP Note #3537373 using the standard SAP correction workflow
- Review and reduce the population of users holding high-privilege roles that grant access to PPM-PRO transactions
- Audit recent PPM-PRO activity by privileged accounts to identify potential prior exploitation attempts
Patch Information
SAP released the fix as part of the SAP Security Patch Day. Apply the correction described in SAP Note #3537373 to eliminate the SQL injection vector. Consult the SAP Security Patch Day landing page for the associated Support Package or note-based correction applicable to your S/4HANA release.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to PPM-PRO transactions and services using SAP authorization objects until the patch can be deployed
- Place a web application firewall or SAP Web Dispatcher rule in front of PPM-PRO endpoints to inspect and block SQL metacharacters in parameters
- Enable enhanced logging on the backend database to accelerate identification of injection attempts during the exposure window
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
