In January 2026, SAP released a batch of 17 security notes addressing multiple vulnerabilities, including four critical issues involving SQL injection, remote code execution (RCE), and code injection. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious SQL commands or execute arbitrary code on affected SAP systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. SQL injection flaws can enable attackers to manipulate or exfiltrate sensitive data from SAP databases, while RCE and code injection vulnerabilities allow execution of unauthorized commands or code, threatening system integrity and availability. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the critical severity indicates these flaws are easily exploitable and pose a significant risk. SAP systems are widely used across various industries globally, including Europe, where SAP ERP and related products underpin critical business processes. The vulnerabilities likely affect multiple SAP components, though specific affected versions were not detailed. The lack of a CVSS score requires severity assessment based on the nature of the vulnerabilities, which are critical due to their potential impact and ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction. Organizations must urgently apply SAP’s security patches, conduct comprehensive security audits, and monitor for anomalous activities to prevent exploitation. The update underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date SAP environments and proactive vulnerability management.

The impact of these critical SAP vulnerabilities on European organizations could be severe. Exploitation of SQL injection flaws can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, including financial records, customer information, and intellectual property, resulting in data breaches and compliance violations under GDPR. RCE and code injection vulnerabilities could allow attackers to take full control of SAP systems, disrupt business operations, manipulate transaction data, or deploy ransomware. Given SAP’s integral role in enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, and financial operations, successful attacks could cause significant operational downtime and financial losses. European industries such as manufacturing, automotive, finance, and public sector entities that heavily depend on SAP are particularly at risk. Additionally, the potential for lateral movement within networks after initial compromise could escalate the threat to broader IT infrastructure. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the critical nature demands immediate action to prevent future attacks.

1. Immediately apply all relevant SAP January 2026 security patches as provided by SAP Security Notes to remediate the identified vulnerabilities. 2. Conduct a thorough inventory of all SAP systems and verify patch levels to ensure no affected systems remain unpatched. 3. Implement rigorous input validation and sanitization controls within SAP applications to reduce injection risks. 4. Enhance network segmentation and restrict access to SAP systems to trusted administrators and systems only. 5. Deploy continuous monitoring and anomaly detection tools focused on SAP environments to identify suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Review and tighten SAP user privileges following the principle of least privilege to limit potential damage from compromised accounts. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing targeting SAP systems to proactively identify weaknesses. 8. Develop and test incident response plans specific to SAP system compromises to ensure rapid containment and recovery. 9. Engage with SAP support and security communities to stay informed about emerging threats and mitigation strategies. 10. Educate SAP administrators and security teams on the nature of these vulnerabilities and best practices for secure SAP system management.