CVE-2024-38856 exposes a critical incorrect authorization vulnerability in Apache OFBiz servers, affecting versions up to 18.12.14, allowing unauthenticated users to bypass security restrictions and execute screen rendering code via specially crafted requests through unauthenticated endpoints. This vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of OFBiz in self-hosted environments and various industries. Users are urged to upgrade to version 18.12.15, which addresses the issue, and implement enhanced security measures to prevent exploitation.
The CYFIRMA research team has evaluated CVE-2024-38856, a vulnerability causing significant concerns in the cybersecurity community due to its critical impact on organizations globally. This flaw affects multiple versions of Apache OFBiz servers, enabling the threat actor to bypass security restrictions by allowing remote code execution (RCE), potentially granting malicious actors unauthorized access to sensitive networks. This highlights the imperative for enhanced cybersecurity measures and proactive threat intelligence to effectively defend against such evolving cyber threats.
Key Takeaways:
Acknowledgements:
CYFIRMA Research recognizes the joint efforts of security researchers and the cybersecurity community in discovering and addressing the CVE-2024-38856 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Type: Incorrect Authorization and Remote Code Execution (RCE)
CVE ID: CVE-2024-38856
CVSS Severity Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Availability Impact: None
Confidentiality Impact: None
Integrity Impact: High
User Interaction Required: None
Affected Application: Apache OFBiz
Impact: Allows threat actors to bypass security restrictions by sending a specially crafted code.
Affected Versions: It affects all versions, however, 18.12.14 and below are impacted by CVE-2024-38856
Patch Availability: yes
Mitigation: Users are recommended to upgrade to version 18.12.15, which fixes the issue. Organizations using Apache OFBiz servers should promptly apply the latest security updates and patches.
CVE-2024-38856 is a critical flaw in Apache OFBiz servers that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication by exploiting unauthenticated endpoints. It bypasses the previous fix for CVE-2024-36104, enabling RCE and full server control. This vulnerability affects key components like ERP modules, web services, and database interfaces, leading to system compromise, data breaches, ransomware, and service disruptions. It poses a major security threat to all Apache OFBiz users.
This flaw allows attackers to take full control of servers without authentication, exposing sensitive data, enabling ransomware deployment, and causing severe service disruptions. It can lead to data breaches, downtime, malware installation, and botnet integration for malicious activities like DDoS attacks. Immediate action is essential to protect systems and data from exploitation.
CVE-2024-38856 affects the Apache OFBiz servers, versions up to 18.12.14. For a detailed list of the specific versions impacted, please refer to the following link here.
Are hackers discussing this vulnerability in the Deep/Dark Web?
As of now, CYFIRMA has not observed discussions or the potential exploitation of CVE-2024-38856, but there has been mention of Apache OFBiz.
What is the attack complexity level?
Low, this means that exploiting the vulnerability does not require sophisticated techniques or extensive conditions, making it relatively easier for attackers to exploit.
Is there already an exploit tool to attack this vulnerability?
Yes, there are already exploit tools available for CVE-2024-38856. Proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit codes have been published on GitHub.
Has this vulnerability already been used in an attack?
Yes, according to available reports, there have been confirmed instances of the CVE-2024-38856 vulnerability being exploited in the wild.
Who are the associated threat actors?
There have been no specific threat actors publicly associated with CVE-2024-38856 at the time of our research.
Our analysis found that more than 4959 Apache OFBiz servers are public, and therefore vulnerable to CVE-2024-38856.
Location of the Flaw
The vulnerability resides in the override view functionality of Apache OFBiz servers, designed to enable users to customize the display of specific pages. It lacks proper authentication for key endpoints, resulting in a significant security gap.
Exploitation via ProgramExport Endpoint
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through the ProgramExport endpoint, which facilitates data export but fails to implement necessary authentication checks. This weakness allows attackers to combine it with other non-authenticated endpoints.
Chaining of Non-Authenticated Endpoints
The vulnerability’s critical aspect lies in the attacker’s capability to chain multiple non-authenticated endpoints. This enables the attacker to:
Script Overview
The Python script for CVE-2024-38856 is engineered for scanning and exploiting vulnerable Apache OFBiz installations, supporting both single-target and batch modes. In single-target exploitation mode, it executes arbitrary commands on a specified target machine, while single-target scanning mode assesses vulnerability using standard network commands. In batch mode, the script processes multiple targets by reading from a specified file, allowing efficient management of large-scale operations across numerous systems.
Here are the potential attack scenarios of the CVE-2024-38856 Vulnerability:
Full server takeover: Attackers execute arbitrary commands on the server, leading to full control, installation of backdoors, and long-term persistence.
Data exfiltration: Unauthorized access to sensitive data, like customer information, resulting in data breaches, GDPR violations, and reputational damage.
Crypto mining: Attackers install cryptocurrency miners, hijacking server resources, leading to reduced performance and higher operational costs.
Botnet recruitment: The server is used in a botnet for DDoS attacks, spamming, or brute force attacks, exposing the legitimate owner to legal risks.
Ransomware deployment: Attackers install ransomware, encrypting critical files and demanding payment, causing financial losses and data inaccessibility.
Supply chain attacks: Compromised OFBiz servers are used as a launchpad to attack other systems or partners, leading to further network compromise.
Defacement/ disruption: The attacker alters or deletes key files, disrupting business operations, defacing the UI, and causing reputational and financial damage.
Malicious code injection: Code injection into the system targets users, leading to credential theft, phishing, and malware propagation.
APT entry point: Advanced attackers gain long-term access for espionage, data theft, or preparation for future attacks, remaining undetected.
To mitigate CVE-2024-38856, it is crucial to take immediate action by following these steps.
Target geographies:
CVE-2024-38856 affects organizations globally that use Apache OFBiz for ERP systems, posing risks across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. As an open-source platform, OFBiz is widely used across industries, making all users vulnerable. Immediate attention and mitigation are critical to addressing this global security concern.
Target industries:
CVE-2024-38856 affects industries using Apache OFBiz, including retail, manufacturing, logistics, finance, and healthcare, which rely on it for key operations. Immediate patching and proactive security measures are crucial to protect against exploitation and maintain system integrity.
Target technologies:
CVE-2024-38856 affects key Apache OFBiz areas, including ERP modules for accounting, inventory, manufacturing, and customer relations. It also impacts web services, APIs, web application components, and database interfaces. Organizations using these components are vulnerable, making immediate mitigation crucial to prevent exploitation.
UNDERGROUND AND DARK WEB FORUMS
We have identified discussions about Apache OFBiz on underground forums. While these discussions are not directly related to CVE-2024-38856, they do involve references to other vulnerabilities in Apache OFBiz. Additionally, there have been previous instances where Apache OFBiz was exploited. This highlights a continuing interest in the platform’s security vulnerabilities within malicious communities, suggesting that other exploits could potentially be leveraged in future attacks.
CVE-2024-38856 highlights the complexity of securing Apache OFBiz servers, even patches such as CVE-2024-36104 can leave other vulnerabilities open. This flaw poses serious risks, including server takeovers, data breaches, and ransomware attacks. To mitigate the threat, organizations must immediately upgrade to version 18.12.15, back up data, verify functionality, and monitor for exploitation. Swift patching, proactive monitoring, and collaboration are key to protecting critical assets. Quick action and ongoing vigilance are crucial for maintaining system security.
