CVE-2025-0070: Critical Improper Authentication in SAP NetWeaver ABAP Server

Overview

On January 14, 2025, SAP published a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-0070 affecting the SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP and ABAP Platform. The flaw is categorized under CWE-287: Improper Authentication and allows authenticated attackers to escalate privileges due to insufficient authentication enforcement.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability exists in the authentication logic of the ABAP platform. An attacker with valid user credentials can exploit improper authentication checks to gain unauthorized access to system functionality. This allows the attacker to escalate privileges and potentially control critical components of the affected SAP environment.

Successful exploitation leads to a high impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Given the scope change and low complexity, this vulnerability presents a significant risk in enterprise SAP environments.

Technical Breakdown

This vulnerability is rated as Critical with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9. The CVSS vector is:

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Key attributes include:

• Attack Vector: Network
• Attack Complexity: Low
• Privileges Required: Low
• User Interaction: None
• Scope: Changed
• Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability Impact: High

Impacted Versions

The following SAP kernel versions are affected:

• KRNL64NUC 7.22
• 7.22EXT
• KRNL64UC 7.22
• 7.53, 7.54, 7.77, 7.89, 7.93, 7.97
• 8.04, 9.12, 9.13, 9.14
• KERNEL 7.22

Understanding CWE-287

CWE-287 highlights scenarios where systems fail to properly authenticate users or validate their permissions before granting access. In the context of SAP, such a flaw can be especially dangerous given the critical role these systems play in business operations.

Recommendations

• Apply the latest security patches provided in SAP Note 3537476.
• Audit user roles and authentication configurations across all affected systems.
• Limit access to exposed services and interfaces wherever possible.
• Monitor logs for signs of unauthorized access or privilege escalation attempts.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-0070 represents a severe authentication failure in core SAP components. Due to the high potential impact and ease of exploitation, organizations should treat remediation as a priority and ensure all safeguards are in place to protect sensitive enterprise environments.