Enhancing SAP Java Environment Security: Aligning Communication Protocols with NIST Controls

To secure communication in an SAP Java-based environment, such as SAP NetWeaver Application Server for Java (AS Java) or SAP Portal, you must configure specific Java parameters that ensure encrypted, authenticated, and monitored communication between various SAP components and external systems. Proper configuration helps protect sensitive data and maintains compliance with security standards.

Here is a list of key SAP Java parameters and settings for securing communication:

1. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Configuration

SSL/TLS is critical for securing communication between clients, servers, and internal components within SAP Java environments.

• ssl/serverKeyStore: Path to the Keystore containing the server certificate and private key for SSL.
• ssl/serverKeyStorePassword: Password for the keystore. Ensure this is securely stored and managed.
• ssl/trustStore: Path to the truststore containing trusted certificates for client-server authentication.
• ssl/trustStorePassword: Password for the truststore, which should be protected similarly to the keystore password.
• ssl/sslProvider: Specifies the SSL provider (e.g., IAIK or JSSE) to be used for encryption. Ensure the provider supports the latest encryption standards.

2. Enabling HTTPS for Secure Communication

Ensure all web-based communication uses HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between SAP applications and end users.

• icm/HTTP/ssl_active: Set to TRUE to enable SSL for the HTTP interface.
• icm/HTTP/ssl_port: Defines the port for SSL-secured HTTP communication (e.g., icm/HTTP/ssl_port = 443).
• icm/HTTPS/verify_client: This parameter controls client certificate verification. Set to 1 (optional) or 2 (required) to enable mutual authentication.
• icm/HTTPS/accept_client_certs: Should be set to TRUE to accept client certificates for authentication.

3. Securing Web Services and SOAP Communication

SAP Java environments often use web services, which need secure configurations to protect sensitive data.

• soap/security/require_authentication: Set to TRUE to require authentication for SOAP web services.
• soap/security/encryption_algorithm: Specifies the algorithm for encrypting SOAP messages (e.g., AES256).
• ws-security/sso: Enable Single Sign-On (SSO) for web services to reduce password transmission and enhance security.

4. Authentication and Session Management

Proper authentication and session management prevent unauthorized access and session hijacking.

• login/https_required: Set to TRUE to enforce HTTPS for all user logins.
• ume.login.mdc.force_secure: Enforces secure communication for User Management Engine (UME) logins.
• session/protection: Use high or strict settings to enhance session security, including cookie security and timeout settings.
• logon.ticket.secure: Set to TRUE to ensure that SAP logon tickets are only transmitted over HTTPS.

5. Java Message Server Security

The SAP Java Message Server is a key component for communication between SAP Java instances.

• ms/server_port_<n>: Set to https to ensure secure communication between the message server and other instances.
• ms/acl_file: Configure access control lists (ACL) to restrict access to the message server.
• jms/security/authentication_required: Enforce authentication for Java Message Service (JMS) communications.

6. Transport Layer Security (TLS) Configuration

To enforce TLS settings across all communication channels:

• ssl/client_ciphersuites: Define acceptable cipher suites for client-side connections. Use strong encryption settings (e.g., ssl/client_ciphersuites=TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA:TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA).
• ssl/server_ciphersuites: Define acceptable cipher suites for server-side connections. Only allow strong cipher suites (e.g., ssl/server_ciphersuites=TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA:TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA).
• ssl/ssl_min_protocol_version: Set to TLSv1.2 or higher to avoid outdated and insecure SSL protocols.

7. Logging and Monitoring for Security Events

Monitoring and logging are crucial for detecting security incidents and ensuring compliance.

• log/security/log_level: Set to INFO or DEBUG to capture relevant security logs.
• security.audit.log: Configure this parameter to specify the location of the security audit log files.
• audit/com.sap.security.audit.util/level: Set to INFO or higher to capture detailed audit logs for authentication and authorization events.

8. Data Protection and Privacy Settings

Ensure sensitive data is handled securely within SAP Java environments.

• privacy/data_protection/compliance_mode: Enable data protection compliance mode to align with privacy regulations.
• security/cache_sensitive_data: Set to FALSE to prevent caching of sensitive information.

Conclusion

Configuring these SAP Java parameters ensures a robust security posture for communication in SAP environments. Regularly review and update these settings to adapt to emerging threats and compliance requirements.