Description
A critical vulnerability has been identified in Ivanti Avalanche, specifically a Path Traversal vulnerability that allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication in versions prior to 6.4.7. This CVE (CVE-2024-13181) addresses incomplete fixes from the previous CVE-2024-47010.
Affected Product(s)
- Ivanti Avalanche (Numerous versions up to 6.4.7)
Technical Details
Ivanti Avalanche is a robust, enterprise-grade mobile device management (MDM) system designed to facilitate the configuration, management, and protection of a diverse range of mobile devices used in large organizations. It supports both on-premises and cloud deployments, offering flexibility to its users.
Despite its extensive capabilities and wide usage, the recent versions of Ivanti Avalanche (prior to 6.4.7) suffer from multiple critical vulnerabilities, including Path Traversal vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-13179, CVE-2024-13180, and CVE-2024-13181). CVE-2024-13181 particularly focuses on a Path Traversal flaw that allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication. This issue arises when the application fails to properly sanitize input paths, permitting an attacker to craft a URL request that navigates directories outside the intended structure. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files and system compromise. The implications of CVE-2024-13181 are severe, as evidenced by its CVSS score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical.
The Path Traversal vulnerability is especially dangerous because it essentially breaks down the fundamental security mechanisms expected in a secure software system. By constructing malicious paths, an attacker can reach restricted directories and files, bypassing the authentication mechanisms that are intended to protect these resources. Furthermore, this CVE highlights the incomplete fixes from another vulnerability (CVE-2024-47010), indicating that patches released to address previous security flaws were insufficient. This repeated pattern suggests a deeper underlying issue in the way Ivanti Avalanche handles file paths and authentication processes.
The technical community’s response, as observed through various security advisories and forums, emphasizes the need for immediate remedial actions. The detection logic for this vulnerability involves sending an HTTP GET request to the AvalancheWeb/login.jsf endpoint and checking if the vulnerable version of Ivanti Avalanche is running on the target system. The exploitation of this vulnerability can be performed without requiring any authentication, making it accessible to even low-skill threat actors. In essence, the vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, user data, and other critical resources stored on the server. This poses a significant risk to organizations relying on Ivanti Avalanche for their mobile device management needs.
Given the widespread deployment of Ivanti Avalanche in various industries, the potential for exploitation is high, and the consequences of a successful attack could be dire, including data breaches, disruption of business operations, and further attacks within the compromised network. Immediate updates and patches are imperative to mitigate these risks and secure the systems against this critical vulnerability.
Weakness
The vulnerabilities associated with CVE-2024-13179 and related CVEs arise from two primary weaknesses โ improper limitation of pathnames to restricted directories (‘Path Traversal’, CWE-22), and bypassing authentication using alternative paths or channels (CWE-288). Path Traversal allows attackers to navigate directories unauthorized, accessing sensitive files, whereas improperly controlled alternate paths or channels in authentication mechanisms allow attackers to bypass standard security mechanisms and gain unauthorized access.
Impact Assessment
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute arbitrary code on the affected system. They could potentially extract confidential information, disrupt system operations, and further exploit the compromised network for broader attacks.
Active Exploitation
There have been multiple advisories and security alerts indicating that adversary groups are actively exploiting this vulnerability. Specifically, the activity involves exploiting the Path Traversal flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive directories and files.
Ransomware Association
This vulnerability has not yet been directly linked to any specific ransomware attacks. However, given the critical nature of the flaw and the history of similar vulnerabilities being targeted by ransomware gangs, there is a potential risk of ransomware exploitation.
Mitigation and Resolution
The vulnerability is addressed in Ivanti Avalanche version 6.4.7. Users are strongly advised to update their systems to this version immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this critical flaw. The update includes patches that properly sanitize input paths and strengthen the authentication mechanisms.
Recommendations
- We strongly recommend that all customers apply the latest patch as soon as possible.
- Update Ivanti Avalanche to version 6.4.7 immediately.
- Review and validate any external inputs to ensure they do not manipulate file paths.
- Enable logging and monitoring to detect any unauthorized access or attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
- Conduct a thorough security audit of your systems to identify and fix any similar vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update your software and apply security patches promptly.