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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-04-25 13:21:13.334
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SAP fixes suspected Netweaver zero-day exploited in attacks. SAP has released out-of-band emergency NetWeaver updates to fix a suspected remote code execution (RCE) zero-day flaw actively exploited to hijack servers. The vulnerability, tracked under CVE-2025-31324 and rated critical (CVSS v3 score: 10.0), is an unauthenticated file upload vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer, specifically the Metadata Uploader component. It allows attackers to upload malicious executable files without needing to log in, potentially leading to remote code execution and full system compromise. Though the vendor's bulletin isn't public, ReliaQuest reported earlier this week about an actively exploited vulnerability on SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer, specifically the '/developmentserver/metadatauploader' endpoint, which aligns with CVE-2025-31324. ReliaQuest reported that multiple customers were compromised via unauthorized file uploads on SAP NetWeaver, with the attackers uploading JSP webshells to publicly accessible directories. These uploads enabled remote code execution via simple GET requests to the JSP files, allowing command execution from the browser, file management actions (upload/download), and more. In the post-exploitation phase, the attackers deployed the 'Brute Ratel' red team tool, the 'Heaven's Gate' security bypassing technique, and injected MSBuild-compiled code into dllhost.exe for stealth. ReliaQuest noted in the report that exploitation did not require authentication and that the compromised systems were fully patched, indicating that they were targeted by a zero-day exploit. Security firm watchTowr also confirmed to BleepingComputer they are seeing active exploitation linked to CVE-2025-31324. "Unauthenticated attackers can abuse built-in functionality to upload arbitrary files to an SAP NetWeaver instance, which means full Remote Code Execution and total system compromise," stated watchTowr CEO Benjamin Harris. "watchTowr is seeing active exploitation by threat actors, who are using this vulnerability to drop web shell backdoors onto exposed systems and gain further access." "This active in-the-wild exploitation and widespread impact makes it incredibly likely that we'll soon see prolific exploitation by multiple parties." BleepingComputer contacted SAP with questions about the active exploitation but has not received a response at this time. Protect against attacks now The vulnerability impacts the Visual Composer Framework 7.50 and the recommended action is to apply the latest patch. This emergency security update was made available after SAP's regular 'April 2025' update, so if you applied that update earlier this month (released on April 8, 2025), you're still vulnerable to CVE-2025-31324. Moreover, the emergency update includes fixes for two more critical vulnerabilities, namely CVE-2025-27429 (code injection in SAP S/4HANA) and CVE-2025-31330 (code injection in SAP Landscape Transformation). Those unable to apply the updates that address CVE-2025-31324 are recommended to perform the following mitigations: ReliaQuest recommends performing a deep environment scan to locate and delete suspect files before applying the mitigations.
Daily Brief Summary
SAP has released emergency updates for a critical zero-day flaw in NetWeaver Visual Composer, vulnerable to remote code execution.
The flaw, identified as CVE-2025-31324 with a maximum severity score of 10.0, involves an unauthenticated file upload vulnerability.
Attackers exploited this vulnerability to upload malicious JSP webshells, enabling remote code execution and full system control.
Following the initial breach, attackers utilized advanced tools such as 'Brute Ratel' and 'Heaven's Gate,' enhancing stealth and system penetration.
Security firms, including ReliaQuest and watchTowr, observed active exploitation leading to significant security concerns among SAP users.
Despite systems being fully patched, the zero-day nature of the exploit allowed attackers to bypass existing security measures.
SAP's emergency patch not only addresses this issue but also fixes additional critical vulnerabilities in their software suite.
Companies unable to immediately apply the patch are advised to conduct deep scans and remove any suspicious files as a temporary measure.