Appsecure logo

CVE-2023-42480: Medium Vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java

A medium-severity vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java allows unauthenticated attackers to brute force login IDs. This can impact confidentiality. Immediate action is required to mitigate risks.

MEDIUMCVSS 5.3 · Published November 14, 2023

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

CVE-2023-42480 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the SAP NetWeaver AS Java Logon application, specifically version 7.50. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to brute force the login functionality, enabling them to identify legitimate user IDs. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a medium level of severity, primarily impacting confidentiality.

The ability for attackers to discover legitimate user IDs poses a significant risk to organizations, as it may lead to unauthorized access attempts. However, there is no impact on integrity or availability associated with this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to safeguard sensitive information.

Given the potential for exploitation, defenders are urged to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that their systems are secured against such brute force attacks, especially for critical applications like SAP NetWeaver.

As of the latest updates, there are no known public exploits or reports of active exploitation for this vulnerability. However, it is essential to monitor any developments and ensure timely remediation.

Organizations should act promptly to mitigate this vulnerability to prevent potential data breaches and maintain the confidentiality of their user accounts.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers in the SAP NetWeaver AS Java Logon application, specifically version 7.50, to perform brute force attacks on the login functionality. This action can lead to the identification of legitimate user IDs. The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 5.3, categorized as medium severity due to its potential impact on confidentiality.

The specific affected product is "netweaver_application_server_java" by SAP. The vulnerability was published on November 14, 2023, and is classified under CWE-307, indicating improper authentication.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2023-42480 is the inadequate protection of the login mechanism within the NetWeaver AS Java Logon application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging automated tools to brute force user IDs without requiring any privileges or user interaction.

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, characterized by low attack complexity. No privileges are required for an attacker, and user interaction is not needed to exploit this vulnerability. The impact on confidentiality is low, as attackers can only identify user IDs without gaining further access.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability includes the possibility of unauthorized access attempts against the identified user accounts. If successful, such attacks can lead to further exploitation of the system and compromise sensitive information.

Organizations must recognize the urgency to address this vulnerability, considering its potential impact on user confidentiality and the broader security posture of their systems. With a CVSS score of 5.3, it falls within the medium severity range, prompting a medium priority for remediation.

Given the nature of brute force attacks, the blast radius can be significant if multiple accounts are targeted. Therefore, organizations should implement robust monitoring and response strategies to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected version for this vulnerability is SAP NetWeaver AS Java version 7.50. Organizations using this version should take immediate steps to secure their systems.

Mitigation & Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement strong password policies and account lockout mechanisms to prevent brute force attacks on login functionality. Additionally, it is crucial to apply any available patches or updates provided by SAP promptly.

For comprehensive security, organizations should also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their systems.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor log files for repeated failed login attempts and alerts for unusual account activity. Additionally, behavioral anomalies indicating brute force attack patterns should be flagged for further investigation.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2023-42480 highlights the importance of robust authentication mechanisms in modern applications. As attackers continue to evolve their methods, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security practices.

This vulnerability underscores the necessity for organizations to implement effective monitoring and incident response strategies to quickly address potential threats. For further insights into improving security posture, organizations can explore resources like the vulnerability management program and the benefits of a comprehensive penetration testing methodology to strengthen their defenses.

In conclusion, organizations utilizing SAP NetWeaver should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation and protect sensitive user information.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2026-7704LOW
CVE-2026-7703MEDIUM
CVE-2026-7702MEDIUM
CVE-2026-7701LOW
CVE-2026-7700LOW

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.