Subject: SAP-ABAP-Crimes in SAP Field
Error messages are a critical component of user interaction in SAP ABAP applications. They help users understand what went wrong and guide them toward corrective actions. However, improperly designed error messages can unintentionally expose sensitive system details, internal logic, or security vulnerabilities. This exposure may be exploited for malicious purposes, leading to what is commonly referred to as SAP-ABAP crimes.
This article focuses on best practices for securely displaying error messages in SAP ABAP to protect sensitive data, maintain system integrity, and enhance user experience without compromising security.
Avoid exposing technical details to end users. Instead, use simple, clear messages that inform users an error occurred and guide them on next steps.
Example:
MESSAGE 'An unexpected error occurred. Please contact your system administrator.' TYPE 'E'.
Capture the full technical details—such as stack traces, SQL errors, or authorization failures—in secure logs accessible only to authorized support personnel.
CALL FUNCTION 'Z_LOG_ERROR'
EXPORTING
user = sy-uname
error_details = lx_sql->get_text( ).
Never include sensitive information such as passwords, personal data, or system configurations in error messages.
Use a central error handling framework or class to standardize messages and logging across all ABAP programs.
Define message classes with generic texts for errors and maintain separate detailed descriptions internally.
TRY.
" Code that might raise an exception
CALL FUNCTION 'SOME_RISKY_FUNCTION'.
CATCH cx_root INTO DATA(lx_error).
" Log the detailed error internally
CALL FUNCTION 'Z_LOG_ERROR'
EXPORTING
error_text = lx_error->get_text( )
user = sy-uname
timestamp = sy-datum.
" Display a generic error message to the user
MESSAGE 'An error occurred while processing your request. Please try again later.' TYPE 'E'.
ENDTRY.
Secure error message handling in SAP ABAP is essential to prevent unintended information disclosure that could be exploited for malicious purposes. By balancing clarity with security—providing users with meaningful yet non-technical feedback and logging detailed errors securely—developers help safeguard SAP systems from abuse and support compliance with security policies.