Top 5 SAP Security Risks & How to Mitigate Them
SAP Applications are the backbone of many large enterprises, handling critical processes like finance, treasury, supply chain, and human resources. This makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. Protecting these applications is paramount, yet the complexity and interconnectedness of SAP environments often present a significant attack surface. Understanding the common vulnerabilities and attack vectors is the first crucial step in fortifying your defenses. Let’s delve into the top 5 SAP security risks that your SAP system might be facing:
1. Missing SAP Security Patches: An Open Invitation to Attackers
SAP Applications run on top of a complex technology stack, built by many components that need to be maintained and updated. Software patches are an essential security maintenance for your SAP landscape. SAP periodically releases security patches that address newly discovered security flaws. This happens periodically on the second Tuesday of every month. Failing to apply these patches timely, leaves known SAP Security vulnerabilities wide open for exploitation. Attackers actively scan for unpatched systems, making them easy targets.
Risks of Delayed SAP Security Patching:
Unpatched systems are susceptible to a wide range of attacks, from denial-of-service (DoS) to Remote Command Execution, and unauthorized access. Vulnerabilities are periodically and actively exploited by Threat Actors, as highlighted by CISA on its Catalog of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV).
Recently, CISA updated its KEV with a critical vulnerability affecting SAP Applications, CVE-2017-12637, which highlights the aspects of complexity in securing SAP Applications as well as the dynamicity of SAP vulnerabilities.
How to Improve SAP Patch Compliance:
- Establish a clear and properly communicated patch management process, so critical patches do not come as a surprise to BASIS administrators.
- Stay informed about the latest SAP security notes and prioritize their implementation based on criticality. Keep an eye on out of band security patches.
- Regularly audit your systems to identify missing patches and test the established patch management process.
- Consider automated vulnerability management solutions to streamline the process.
2. The Danger of Default Credentials: A Hacker’s Best Friend
Many SAP components and even custom applications come with default usernames and passwords. While intended for initial setup, these credentials, if left unchanged, are widely known and can be easily exploited by malicious actors. Standard users affect SAP Applications running on top of the SAP Netweaver Application Server ABAP as well as Java.
SAP Default Credentials Risk Explained:
Default credentials provide a straightforward entry point for unauthorized access, allowing attackers to gain control over critical system functions and sensitive data. Some emergency access mechanisms in SAP can involve known usernames and passwords.
How to Eliminate SAP Default Credential Vulnerabilities:
- Immediately change all default passwords during the initial system setup.
- Block standard users, if not used and not required by any existing internal process.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
- Regularly review user accounts and permissions, removing or disabling unnecessary accounts. SAP Provides a standard report to review the status of some known standard users across all clients: RSUSR003.
3. Vulnerabilities in custom code (i.e. SQL Injection Attacks)
SAP Applications are typically customized, to map an organization’s processes to standard SAP Applications. In the process, developers can introduce different types of security vulnerabilities, such as injection flaws or missing authorizations checks. A very well-known type of vulnerability in this space is called SQL injection, which is a web application vulnerability. Attackers can insert malicious SQL code into input fields, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, access, modify, or even delete data within the underlying database.
Risks from SAP Custom Code Vulnerabilities:
Attackers can exploit software vulnerabilities affecting custom code across SAP Applications, potentially leading to a complete system compromise. In the case of a successful SQL injection attack, it can lead to severe data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Best Practices for Securing SAP Custom Code:
- Implement secure coding practices, including input validation and parameterized queries, in all custom ABAP and web applications interacting with the SAP database.
- Regularly perform code reviews and security testing, including vulnerability scanning for all known types of flaws.
- Educate developers on secure coding principles.
- Integrate secure development practices into your software development processes, to prevent the introduction of security vulnerabilities.
4. Insufficient Authorization and Access Controls: The Insider Threat and Beyond
Granular authorization concepts are fundamental to running complex and critical business applications, and this is also true for SAP Applications. However, poorly configured roles and permissions can lead to users having access to functionalities and data that are beyond their job responsibilities. This not only increases the risk of internal fraud and errors but can also be exploited by external attackers who manage to compromise widely privileged accounts.
Access Control Risks in SAP Systems:
Insufficient access controls can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as the execution of critical system functions by unauthorized individuals.
How to Enforce SAP Authorization Best Practices:
- Implement the principle of least privilege, granting users only the necessary authorizations to perform their tasks.
- Regularly review and audit user roles and permissions.
- Ensure emergency and temporary access is properly defined and implemented, so any request can be properly approved, logged and audited.
- Implement segregation of duties (SoD) to prevent conflicts of interest and reduce the risk of fraud.
5. Lack of Change Management Security
SAP transport management is the process of moving changes (configurations, custom code, etc.) across different systems in your SAP landscape (e.g., development, testing, production). If this process isn’t properly defined incorporating security, malicious changes could be introduced into the production environment, potentially causing significant disruption and security breaches.
Risks of Poor or Absent SAP Change Management:
Malicious changes could be imported into production, enabling potential attacks to the business, including financial fraud.
How to Secure SAP Transport and Change Processes:
- Secure transport directories and file systems with appropriate access controls.
- Implement a robust change management process with proper approvals and audit trails.
- Consider automating security checks at objects that are transported through the change management processes.
Protecting Your Crown Jewels
Securing your SAP system is not a one-off event but an ongoing process, requiring vigilance, a proactive approach, and a deep understanding of potential threats. Regardless whether you are part of an organization with a mature SAP Security process, or just taking your first steps, by addressing these top 5 security risks and implementing the recommended actionable steps, you can significantly strengthen your SAP environment and safeguard your organization’s most critical assets.
Finally, ensuring your BASIS administrators and SAP teams have a solid understanding of security risks and threats is key to maintaining a secure SAP landscape. You can continue educating your users about cybersecurity threats and best practices through the recently released Cybersecurity for SAP | Book and E-Book – by SAP PRESS.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAP Security Risks
What are the biggest SAP security risks today?
The top SAP security risks include misconfigurations, unpatched vulnerabilities, excessive user privileges, insecure custom code, and weak integration controls.
Why is patching so critical in SAP environments?
Unpatched SAP systems are a top attack vector. Threat actors often exploit known vulnerabilities before organizations apply fixes.
How can I assess whether my SAP system is exposed to these risks?
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and configuration reviews using specialized SAP security tools like Onapsis Assess.
What role does user access play in SAP risk?
Improperly managed access can lead to privilege escalation or internal abuse. Implementing role-based access control is essential.
Is custom code a real security threat in SAP systems?
Yes. Insecure custom code can introduce hidden vulnerabilities. Routine code reviews and automated scanning help mitigate this risk.
Can third-party integrations compromise SAP security?
Yes. Poorly secured integrations can become entry points. Validate all interfaces and secure them with proper authentication and encryption.
What is the best way to stay ahead of new SAP threats?
Follow SAP patch releases closely, subscribe to threat intelligence updates (like those from Onapsis), and ensure regular security testing.
How does Onapsis help mitigate SAP security risks?
Onapsis provides automated vulnerability management, compliance monitoring, and threat detection purpose-built for SAP environments.
Are these risks relevant to SAP S/4HANA too?
Absolutely. While S/4HANA introduces improvements, it also inherits risks from legacy systems. A security-first approach remains essential.
How often should SAP systems undergo security assessments?
Quarterly assessments are a recommended minimum. High-risk or internet-facing systems may require more frequent reviews.
