CVE-2021-38163: SAP NetWeaver Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-38163 is a critical (CVSS 9.9) Path Traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 09-06-2022. EPSS estimates a 36.90% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.5% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 14-09-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 09-06-2022
   Added to CISA KEVExploitedSAP NetWeaver Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability
3. 30-06-2022
   CISA remediation dueDeadline passedApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

SAP NetWeaver (Visual Composer 7.0 RT) versions - 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, 7.50, without restriction, an attacker authenticated as a non-administrative user can upload a malicious file over a network and trigger its processing, which is capable of running operating system commands with the privilege of the Java Server process. These commands can be used to read or modify any information on the server or shut the server down making it unavailable.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.