Subject: SAP-Single-Sign-On
Category: SAP Security
In today’s enterprise IT landscape, seamless and secure user authentication is a critical requirement. SAP Single Sign-On (SSO) enables users to access multiple SAP systems and related applications with a single set of credentials, significantly improving user experience and security. This article provides an overview of the core components and architecture of SAP SSO, helping organizations understand how to implement and manage secure single sign-on solutions in SAP environments.
SAP Single Sign-On (SAP SSO) is a security mechanism that allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple SAP systems without repeatedly entering credentials. It enhances security by reducing password fatigue and lowers the risk of password-related attacks.
SAP SSO solutions encompass several components designed to support various authentication protocols and scenarios. The main components include:
The SAP Secure Login Server acts as the central authentication authority. It manages user credentials and issues authentication tokens or tickets to enable SSO across SAP systems. SLS supports multiple authentication methods, including Kerberos, X.509 certificates, and SAML.
SAP Logon Tickets are proprietary tokens issued by SAP systems after successful authentication. These tickets allow users to access other SAP systems in the same domain without re-entering credentials. Logon Tickets use encryption and digital signatures to prevent forgery.
SAP SSO leverages X.509 certificates as part of PKI to authenticate users and systems securely. Certificates can be stored on smart cards or tokens, providing strong two-factor authentication options.
Kerberos is a widely used network authentication protocol supported by SAP SSO, especially in Microsoft Windows environments. It allows users to authenticate via their Windows domain credentials, enabling seamless SSO within integrated landscapes.
SAML is an XML-based open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data. SAP SSO supports SAML 2.0 to integrate with external Identity Providers (IdPs) for federated SSO scenarios, especially in cloud or hybrid architectures.
SAP NetWeaver AS components must be configured to accept and validate SSO tokens such as Logon Tickets, Kerberos tokens, or SAML assertions to enable SSO functionality.
The architecture of SAP SSO typically involves the following layers:
End-users authenticate once via supported methods (e.g., username/password, smart card, Windows credentials). After authentication, users receive tokens enabling seamless access.
The SAP Secure Login Server or an external Identity Provider handles authentication, issuing security tokens like Logon Tickets, Kerberos tickets, or SAML assertions.
SAP systems (such as SAP ERP, SAP BW, SAP Portal) verify the received tokens. Once validated, users gain access without re-entering credentials.
For federated scenarios, SAP SSO integrates with external IdPs or corporate directories, allowing cross-domain and cloud SSO capabilities.
SAP Single Sign-On streamlines authentication across complex SAP landscapes by integrating diverse authentication methods and protocols. Understanding the components and architecture of SAP SSO is vital for designing secure, user-friendly environments. Whether leveraging Kerberos, X.509 certificates, or SAML, SAP SSO helps organizations balance security and usability effectively.