Overview
The vulnerability CVE-2025-42976 is a significant security issue that impacts SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP’s BIC Document module. This vulnerability is a cause for concern as it allows an authenticated attacker to crash the target component, rendering it unavailable. More seriously, it can also be exploited to perform an out-of-bounds read operation, potentially revealing sensitive information loaded in memory. Given the extensive use of SAP NetWeaver in various industries worldwide, this vulnerability could have substantial implications if left unpatched.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-42976
Severity: High (8.1 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: System compromise, data leakage, service unavailability
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP | All versions before the vendor patch
How the Exploit Works
The exploit works by an authenticated user crafting and submitting a malicious request to a BIC Document application. The malicious request causes a memory corruption error, which results in the crashing of the targeted component. If such requests are made multiple times, the target system could become entirely unavailable. A similar malicious request can also be crafted to perform an out-of-bounds read operation, revealing sensitive information loaded in memory.
Conceptual Example Code
Below is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited. This is a hypothetical HTTP request that an attacker might send to exploit the vulnerability:
POST /BICDocApp/endpoint HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer {auth_token_here}
{ "malicious_payload": "crafted_data_leading_to_memory_corruption" }Mitigation and Recommendations
The best way to mitigate this vulnerability is by applying the patch provided by the vendor, SAP. In the absence of a patch, or until it can be applied, a temporary mitigation strategy would be to use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to monitor and block potentially malicious requests. Organizations are advised to ensure they have a robust patch management process in place and regularly update their systems to protect against such vulnerabilities.