CVE-2024-28986 - SolarWinds Web Help Desk Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Content:
A recent discovery reveals a significant vulnerability within SolarWinds Web Help Desk that is being tracked as CVE-2024-28986. This threat involves a Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution vulnerability, which could enable a bad actor to run malicious commands on the host machine. In this post, we will discuss the nature of the vulnerability, steps you can take to mitigate the risk, and provide you with the necessary resources and references for your protection.

Vulnerability Details

The Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution vulnerability is a well-known attack vector, typically resulting from unsafe deserialization of Java objects. When exhibiting this vulnerability, SolarWinds Web Help Desk could allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code throughout the system. Initially reported as an unauthenticated vulnerability, SolarWinds has been unable to reproduce the flaw without authentication after extensive testing. Nevertheless, it is crucial for users to take this potential issue seriously and implement the necessary security updates.

Code Snippet

The vulnerability is a result of Java deserialization, and here's a code snippet for an example of insecure deserialization:

import java.io.*;
import java.beans.*;
public class Deserialize {
   public static void main(String[] args) {
      try {
         FileInputStream fileIn = new FileInputStream("employee.ser");
         ObjectInputStream in = new ObjectOutputStream(fileIn);
         Employee e = (Employee) in.readObject();
         in.close();
         fileIn.close();
      } catch(IOException i) {
         i.printStackTrace();
         return;
      } catch(ClassNotFoundException c) {
         System.out.println("Employee class not found");
         c.printStackTrace();
         return;
      }
   }
}

In situations where an attacker can supply serialized data directly, they may execute arbitrary commands on the host.

Patch and Mitigation

SolarWinds has released a patch for the vulnerability, and it is highly recommended that all Web Help Desk customers apply this update at the earliest opportunity. While the company has not been able to duplicate the vulnerability without authentication, taking precautionary measures by implementing the patch will significantly reduce your risk of exposure.

Patch: SolarWinds Web Help Desk update

Original References

For more details about the vulnerability and the recommended course of action, please consult the following resources:

- CVE-2024-28986
- SolarWinds Security Advisory
- Java Deserialization Vulnerability

Conclusion

As one of the leading providers of network management solutions, SolarWinds takes the security of its products very seriously. Though the CVE-2024-28986 vulnerability could not be reproduced without authentication, it is crucial to adopt a proactive approach to security and apply the recommended patch as soon as possible. By doing so, you'll help protect your network and maintain the safety of your data and systems.

Timeline

Published on: 08/13/2024 23:15:16 UTC
Last modified on: 08/16/2024 15:04:28 UTC