CVE-2021-21480 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence (SAP MII) versions prior to 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4. SAP MII is a platform used to integrate manufacturing processes with enterprise systems, providing dashboards and real-time data visualization. The vulnerability arises from the way SAP MII handles dashboards created and saved as JSP (JavaServer Pages) files via the Self Service Composition Environment (SSCE). An attacker who can intercept requests to the server can inject malicious JSP code into the dashboard creation or update process. When a user with at least the SAP_XMII Developer role opens the compromised dashboard, the malicious JSP code executes on the server. This leads to remote code execution (RCE) with the privileges of the SAP MII application, enabling privilege escalation. The injected code can execute arbitrary operating system commands, allowing attackers to read sensitive files, modify or delete server contents, and fully compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the SAP MII server. Additionally, an attacker authenticated as a developer can upload and execute arbitrary files, further facilitating full OS command execution and server takeover. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), indicating unsafe dynamic code execution. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 9.9 (critical), reflecting its network exploitable nature, low attack complexity, requirement for developer-level privileges but no user interaction, and its complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date, but the severity and ease of exploitation by authenticated users make it a significant threat to organizations using affected SAP MII versions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk, especially those in manufacturing, industrial automation, and supply chain sectors that rely on SAP MII for operational intelligence and integration. Exploitation could lead to full compromise of manufacturing data, disruption of production processes, and unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property and operational data. The ability to execute arbitrary OS commands means attackers can manipulate or destroy critical data, disrupt availability of manufacturing systems, and potentially cause physical damage if integrated with industrial control systems. The compromise of SAP MII servers could also serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within enterprise networks, increasing the risk of broader organizational breaches. Given the criticality of manufacturing infrastructure in Europe’s industrial economy, such an attack could have significant operational and financial consequences, including downtime, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is involved, and reputational damage.

1. Immediate patching: Organizations should upgrade SAP MII to versions 15.1 or later where the vulnerability is fixed. If upgrading is not immediately possible, apply any available SAP security notes or mitigations. 2. Restrict SAP_XMII Developer role assignment: Limit this role strictly to trusted personnel and regularly audit role assignments to reduce the attack surface. 3. Network segmentation: Isolate SAP MII servers from general user networks and restrict access to trusted management networks only. 4. Monitor and log dashboard creation and modification activities, especially those involving JSP content, to detect suspicious injections. 5. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious JSP payloads or unusual request patterns targeting SAP MII endpoints. 6. Enforce strong authentication and multi-factor authentication for developer accounts to reduce risk of credential compromise. 7. Regularly review and harden SAP MII configurations to minimize unnecessary features or services that could be exploited. 8. Conduct security awareness training for developers and administrators on secure dashboard creation and the risks of code injection. 9. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on SAP MII servers to detect anomalous OS command executions or file modifications. 10. Prepare incident response plans specific to SAP MII compromise scenarios to enable rapid containment and recovery.