Subject: SAP-ABAP-Crimes | Domain: SAP Security and Compliance
In the SAP ecosystem, ABAP programs drive critical business processes and manage sensitive data. However, insecure ABAP code can expose organizations to various threats—ranging from unauthorized data access to system compromise. To mitigate these risks, conducting structured security-focused code reviews using comprehensive checklists is essential.
This article explores the value of security checklists in ABAP code reviews, outlines key checklist components, and provides guidance for integrating them into development workflows.
- Standardization: Ensures consistent and thorough reviews across teams.
- Efficiency: Helps reviewers focus on common and critical security areas.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifies vulnerabilities early, reducing exposure to SAP-ABAP crimes.
- Compliance: Supports adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge Sharing: Educates developers and reviewers on secure coding practices.
- Verify presence of proper
AUTHORITY-CHECK statements before sensitive operations.
- Confirm correct authorization objects and activity codes are checked.
- Check for authorization bypass or weak checks.
- Ensure all user inputs are validated and sanitized.
- Avoid dynamic Open SQL statements with concatenated inputs.
- Prefer parameterized queries or use native SQL with binding variables.
- Check that sensitive data is encrypted or masked as needed.
- Avoid hardcoding sensitive information like passwords or keys.
- Ensure sensitive data is not logged in plaintext.
¶ 4. Error and Exception Handling
- Validate that exceptions are caught and handled securely.
- Avoid exposing detailed error messages to users.
- Log errors appropriately without leaking sensitive data.
- Confirm that database access is limited to authorized users.
- Avoid unnecessary privileges or direct table updates without checks.
- Review usage of database procedures or views for security controls.
¶ 6. Logging and Auditing
- Ensure critical actions and security-relevant events are logged.
- Verify logs do not contain sensitive information.
- Check for appropriate log retention and protection.
¶ 7. Code Quality and Maintainability
- Review for usage of deprecated or insecure function modules.
- Ensure clear and maintainable code to reduce hidden vulnerabilities.
- Check adherence to SAP coding standards.
| Checklist Item |
Description |
Status (Yes/No) |
| Authorization checks present before critical code |
AUTHORITY-CHECK used correctly |
|
| No dynamic SQL with untrusted inputs |
SQL Injection risks mitigated |
|
| Sensitive data encrypted or masked |
Encryption or masking implemented |
|
| No hardcoded credentials in code |
Credentials not stored in source code |
|
| Exceptions properly handled |
No detailed error info exposed |
|
| Security-relevant events logged |
Audit logging implemented |
|
| Code follows SAP security and style guidelines |
Complies with coding best practices |
|
- Incorporate checklists in peer reviews and code inspections.
- Use automated tools like SAP Code Vulnerability Analyzer, ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC), and Code Inspector (SCI) to support manual reviews.
- Train developers and reviewers regularly on checklist usage and security principles.
- Update checklists continuously to cover new threats and SAP updates.
A well-defined security checklist is a powerful tool for securing ABAP code and defending against SAP-ABAP crimes. By systematically reviewing authorization, input handling, data protection, and logging, organizations can reduce vulnerabilities and build a robust security posture.
Embedding security checklists into the ABAP development lifecycle promotes a culture of security awareness and compliance, ultimately safeguarding critical SAP environments.