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Critical Flaw Exposed: Defend Against CVE-2024-28987 in SolarWinds Web Help Desk


CVE-2024-28987

CVE-2024-28987 is a critical vulnerability identified in the SolarWinds Web Help Desk (WHD) software. This flaw involves hardcoded credentials, allowing remote unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to the WHD system. Given its CVSS score of 9.1, the vulnerability poses a severe risk to organizations, potentially leading to data breaches and system compromise.


Targeted Sectors and Countries

The vulnerability CVE-2024-28987 has been primarily targeted by threat actors in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Countries experiencing significant targeting include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. The critical nature of the SolarWinds Web Help Desk software in supporting IT operations makes it a high-value target for cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.


CVE-2024-28987 - Technical Information

Vulnerability Overview:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-28987

  • CVSS Score: 9.1 (Critical)

  • Affected Product: SolarWinds Web Help Desk (WHD)

  • Vulnerability Type: Hardcoded Credential

  • Date of Disclosure: August 23, 2024

The vulnerability arises from embedded hardcoded credentials within the SolarWinds Web Help Desk software. These credentials can be exploited by remote, unauthenticated attackers to gain access to the system. Once inside, attackers can navigate the WHD environment, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying configurations, or even executing malicious scripts.

Technical Details:

The presence of hardcoded credentials in software is a significant security risk. Typically, developers embed these credentials for maintenance or debugging purposes. However, if these credentials are discovered by malicious actors, they can be used to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. In the case of CVE-2024-28987, the credentials provide full administrative access, allowing attackers to control the help desk system entirely.

The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require user interaction or special conditions to be exploited. An attacker with knowledge of the credentials can initiate an attack remotely, making it critical for organizations to address this issue immediately.


Exploitation in the Wild

Reports and threat intelligence sources indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability by sophisticated threat actors. Incidents have been observed where attackers utilized the hardcoded credentials to gain unauthorized access to internal help desk systems. These intrusions have led to data exfiltration, system modifications, and, in some cases, the deployment of malware to further compromise the network.


Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include:

  • Unusual login attempts from unfamiliar IP addresses.

  • Unauthorized changes to help desk system configurations.

  • Sudden spikes in network traffic associated with the help desk server.

  • Presence of known malware signatures linked to this exploit.

For detailed technical information on IOCs and threat hunting tips, please refer to the following resources:


APT Groups Using This Vulnerability

While specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups exploiting CVE-2024-28987 have not been disclosed publicly, the nature of the vulnerability makes it an attractive target for state-sponsored actors and sophisticated cybercriminal organizations.

APT groups typically target sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Given the critical functionality of the SolarWinds Web Help Desk software in supporting IT operations, it is crucial for organizations in these sectors to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.


Affected Product Versions

The affected versions of SolarWinds Web Help Desk are:

  • SolarWinds Web Help Desk versions up to 12.8.3 Hotfix 1

It is imperative for organizations using these versions to assess their systems and apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk.


Workaround and Mitigation

  1. Apply Patches: SolarWinds has released a hotfix to address this vulnerability. Administrators should immediately apply the latest updates to the Web Help Desk software.

  2. Change Default Credentials: Ensure that any default or hardcoded credentials are changed to strong, unique passwords. This step is critical to prevent unauthorized access.

  3. Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring to detect any unusual or unauthorized access attempts. Tools like Wireshark and Splunk can be invaluable in identifying suspicious activities.

  4. Access Controls: Strengthen access controls to limit who can access the Web Help Desk system. Utilize role-based access controls (RBAC) and ensure that permissions are granted based on the principle of least privilege.

  5. Incident Response Plan: Have an incident response plan in place to quickly address any potential breaches resulting from this vulnerability. Regularly update and test your incident response procedures.

For further technical guidance on mitigation strategies, refer to the following resources:


References


About Rescana

Rescana specializes in providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions, focusing on Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM). Our platform helps organizations identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring robust protection against emerging threats.

For any questions regarding this report or other cybersecurity concerns, please reach out to our support team at [ops@rescana.com]. We are committed to assisting you in safeguarding your digital assets.

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