CVE-2025-42919 is a medium-severity vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java versions ENGINEAPI 7.50 and EP-BASIS 7.50. The root cause is improper limitation of pathname inputs (CWE-22), which allows an attacker to perform directory traversal via manipulated URLs. By inserting arbitrary path components into the request URL, an unauthenticated attacker can access internal metadata files that should be restricted. These metadata files may contain sensitive information about the application server's configuration or internal workings, leading to partial confidentiality compromise. The vulnerability does not affect the integrity or availability of the system, meaning attackers cannot alter data or disrupt service through this flaw. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, which increases the risk of exploitation. However, as of the publication date, no known exploits have been observed in the wild, and no official patches have been released. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web-facing components of enterprise software. Organizations running the affected SAP NetWeaver versions should be aware of this risk and prepare to apply vendor patches or mitigations once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-42919 centers on unauthorized disclosure of sensitive metadata within SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java environments. This could expose internal configuration details, potentially aiding attackers in crafting more targeted attacks or gaining further access. While the vulnerability does not directly allow data modification or service disruption, the leakage of metadata can weaken overall security posture and increase the risk of subsequent attacks. Industries heavily reliant on SAP for critical business processes, such as manufacturing, finance, utilities, and public sector entities, may face increased risk if attackers leverage disclosed information for lateral movement or reconnaissance. The medium severity score reflects a moderate risk, but the ease of exploitation without authentication means organizations should not underestimate the threat. European enterprises with internet-facing SAP NetWeaver services or insufficient network segmentation are particularly vulnerable. Protecting confidentiality of enterprise metadata is crucial to maintaining trust, compliance, and operational security.

1. Immediately restrict external network access to SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java endpoints, especially those serving metadata or administrative functions, using firewalls or network segmentation. 2. Implement strict input validation and URL filtering at the web server or application gateway level to block path traversal attempts and malformed URLs. 3. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual URL patterns indicative of directory traversal attacks. 4. Engage with SAP support channels to obtain and apply official security patches or hotfixes as soon as they are released for the affected versions. 5. Conduct a thorough review of SAP NetWeaver configurations to disable or limit exposure of metadata files where possible. 6. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with updated rules to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting CWE-22 vulnerabilities. 7. Train security and IT staff on recognizing signs of reconnaissance activity that may leverage disclosed metadata. 8. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious activity related to SAP server access. 9. Maintain an up-to-date asset inventory to quickly identify all SAP NetWeaver instances and prioritize remediation efforts. 10. Plan for upgrading SAP NetWeaver components to supported versions with improved security controls.