CVE-2021-21469 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management that could allow a malicious user to exploit a configuration issue on Windows systems, potentially leading to information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-21469

This CVE highlights a security flaw in SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management that could be leveraged by attackers to compromise sensitive data.

What is CVE-2021-21469?

The vulnerability arises from inadequate security configurations in SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management on Windows systems. Attackers may abuse this misconfiguration to execute SMB relay attacks and gain access to highly sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21469

With a CVSS base score of 5.3, this vulnerability poses a medium severity threat with a high impact on confidentiality. Exploitation could result in the unauthorized disclosure of critical data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21469

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows external operators to manipulate MDS server configurations on Windows systems, potentially granting unauthorized access to sensitive data through SMB relay attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management versions below 7.10, 710, and 710.750 running on Windows.

Exploitation Mechanism

By setting custom paths in the MDS server configuration due to inadequate security measures, attackers can execute SMB relay attacks to obtain highly sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2021-21469, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that security guidelines and recommendations for SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management are diligently followed. Implement strict access controls, secure network configurations, and enforce proper password policies.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations, conduct comprehensive security audits, and educate users on best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by SAP SE for SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.