How To Fix WSS005 - You are not authorized to change the profile

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSS - Web Services Security

• Message number: 005

• Message text: You are not authorized to change the profile

What causes this issue?

You are not authorized to change the Web Services Security
Profile (authorization object S_WSSP_ADM).

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSS005 - You are not authorized to change the profile ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSS005 - You are not authorized to change the profile
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a user attempts to change or maintain a user profile in SAP but does not have the necessary authorization to perform this action. Specifically, the user lacks the required authorization object(s) that control profile changes, such as:
  
  S_USER_PRO (Authorization for user profiles)
  Or other related authorization objects depending on the system configuration.
  
  In SAP, profiles are critical for user authorization management, and only users with proper rights (usually administrators or security team members) can create, change, or delete profiles.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Verify if the user has the required authorization objects assigned.
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check the missing authorizations.
  Alternatively, check the authorization trace via ST01 if SU53 is not sufficient.
  
  
  
  Assign Required Authorizations:
  
  If the user is supposed to have rights to change profiles, update their role(s) to include the necessary authorization objects.
  Typically, the authorization object S_USER_PRO with activity 02 (Change) is required.
  Example:  
  
  Object: S_USER_PRO  
  Activity: 02 (Change)  
  Profile: * (or specific profile names)
  
  
  
  
  
  Use Proper Transactions:
  
  Profile changes are usually done via transactions like PFCG (Role Maintenance) or SU01 (User Maintenance).
  Ensure the user is using the correct transaction and has authorization for it.
  
  
  
  Consult Security Team:
  
  If you are not authorized to assign roles or authorizations, contact your SAP security or BASIS team to request the necessary access.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU01 – User Maintenance
  PFCG – Role Maintenance
  SU53 – Display Authorization Check (to analyze missing authorizations)
  ST01 – System Trace (Authorization trace)
  
  
  
  Authorization Object:
  
  S_USER_PRO – Authorization for user profiles
  
  Activity 01 = Create
  Activity 02 = Change
  Activity 03 = Display
  Activity 06 = Delete
  
  
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  Changing profiles affects user authorizations and system security; hence, SAP restricts this action to authorized personnel.
  Always follow your organization's security policies when requesting or granting such authorizations.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WSS005 error means the user is not authorized to change profiles. To fix it, check and assign the necessary authorization object S_USER_PRO with the appropriate activity (usually Change = 02) to the user’s role. Use SU53 to identify missing authorizations and coordinate with your SAP security team if needed.