Subject: SAP-ABAP-crimes (Security & Compliance in SAP ABAP)
SAP systems frequently interact with external applications through Remote Function Calls (RFCs), Web APIs, and other integration technologies. While these interfaces enable seamless business process integration, they also open potential entry points for malicious attacks if inputs from external systems are not properly validated.
This article addresses the critical importance of validating input data coming from external systems in SAP ABAP to prevent security breaches, fraud, and data corruption, which are common issues in SAP-ABAP-crimes.
Unvalidated or improperly validated input from external systems can lead to:
Ensuring all input data adheres to expected formats, types, and ranges is a fundamental security best practice in ABAP development.
Each requires strict validation on the receiving SAP side.
CHECK statements or IF conditions to enforce constraints.cl_abap_char_utilities or custom sanitization routines.AUTHORITY-CHECK statements.FUNCTION z_process_order.
IMPORTING
iv_order_id TYPE char10
iv_quantity TYPE i.
" Check length
IF strlen( iv_order_id ) <> 10.
MESSAGE 'Invalid Order ID length' TYPE 'E'.
ENDIF.
" Check quantity range
IF iv_quantity <= 0 OR iv_quantity > 1000.
MESSAGE 'Quantity out of range' TYPE 'E'.
ENDIF.
" Check existence in database
SELECT SINGLE * FROM zorders WHERE order_id = iv_order_id.
IF sy-subrc <> 0.
MESSAGE 'Order ID not found' TYPE 'E'.
ENDIF.
" Authorization check
AUTHORITY-CHECK OBJECT 'Z_ORDER_CHANGE'
ID 'ORDERID' FIELD iv_order_id.
IF sy-subrc <> 0.
MESSAGE 'Unauthorized to change order' TYPE 'E'.
ENDIF.
" Proceed with processing
ENDFUNCTION.
Input validation from external systems is a critical defense line against many forms of SAP ABAP-related crimes, including fraud, data breaches, and system compromise. ABAP developers must adopt rigorous validation techniques when handling RFCs, APIs, and other external inputs to maintain SAP system security and data integrity.
Embedding strong input validation in every interface helps build resilient, secure SAP environments that protect enterprise assets and comply with regulatory standards.