CVE-2021-38163 SAP NetWeaver Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability
SAP NetWeaver contains a vulnerability that allows unrestricted file upload.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 9 Jun 2022.
- Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.9, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,611 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
SAP NetWeaver (Visual Composer 7.0 RT) versions - 7.30, 7.31, 7.40, 7.50, without restriction, an attacker authenticated as a non-administrative user can upload a malicious file over a network and trigger its processing, which is capable of running operating system commands with the privilege of the Java Server process. These commands can be used to read or modify any information on the server or shut the server down making it unavailable.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| SAP SE SAP NetWeaver (Visual Composer 7.0 RT) | 7.30 7.31 7.40 7.50 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for SAP NetWeaver. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2021-38163 and every other exploited flaw on the list.