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CVE-2024-37285: Critical Threat to Elastic Kibana Users


CVE-2024-37285

CVE-2024-37285 represents a 9.8/10 (Critical) on the CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) scale and poses a significant risk to enterprises using Elastic Kibana for data visualization. This critical vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through insecure input validation when processing serialized YAML documents. Although the specific sectors and countries targeted by this vulnerability have not been identified, Kibana's widespread use across various industries heightens the risk of exploitation. Immediate action is essential to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential threats.


Targeted Sectors and Countries

Although no specific sectors or countries have been identified as targets of CVE-2024-37285, Kibana is widely adopted across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and government. Its global usage puts organizations in multiple countries at potential risk, making prompt mitigation and heightened vigilance essential.


Technical Information

CVE-2024-37285 affects versions of Elastic Kibana prior to 8.15.1. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation during the processing of serialized YAML documents. This flaw allows attackers to create malicious YAML payloads, which, when processed by the vulnerable Kibana instance, can lead to remote code execution.

The primary issue is Kibana’s handling of serialized data. Inadequate validation of serialized data can result in security breaches, including arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability exploits insecure deserialization—a common flaw in applications processing structured data formats such as YAML, JSON, and XML.

Exploitation of this vulnerability is relatively simple due to the availability of Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploits on platforms like GitHub and security forums. This has led to its classification under the MITRE ATT&CK techniques:

  • T1211: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

  • T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter

Organizations using Kibana are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest version to avoid exploitation.


Exploitation in the Wild

Several reports indicate that CVE-2024-37285 is being actively exploited. Attackers leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Kibana versions, execute arbitrary code, and potentially move laterally within networks. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) associated with these attacks include:

  • Unusual YAML file submissions

  • Unexpected system behaviors

  • Anomalies in application logs

Organizations are encouraged to monitor their systems for these signs of exploitation and implement advanced threat detection mechanisms.


APT Groups Using This Vulnerability

No specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have been definitively tied to the exploitation of CVE-2024-37285. However, the nature of this vulnerability makes it an attractive target for APT groups, who may seek to exploit it to gain a foothold within high-value networks, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations.

Given the sophistication of APT groups’ tactics, techniques, and procedures, organizations should maintain a proactive security posture, including regular vulnerability assessments, threat hunting, and advanced security solutions.


Affected Product Versions

The following versions of Elastic Kibana are affected by CVE-2024-37285:

  • Kibana versions prior to 8.15.1

Organizations using these versions should prioritize upgrading to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.


CVE-2024-37285 Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-37285, the following steps are recommended:

  1. Upgrade: Immediately upgrade to Kibana version 8.15.1 or later, which addresses the input validation flaw.

  2. Input Validation: Implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent the processing of untrusted data, especially for YAML documents.

  3. Network Segmentation: Ensure Kibana instances are isolated from critical systems and not directly exposed to the internet. Use secure, authenticated channels for access.

  4. Monitoring and Detection: Employ advanced monitoring tools to detect and respond to exploitation attempts in real-time. Set up alerts for unusual activities and review logs regularly.

  5. Security Best Practices: Adhere to industry best practices for securing web applications, including regular patching, security audits, and implementing least privilege access controls.


References


About Rescana

At Rescana, we specialize in Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM), helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Our platform provides real-time monitoring, threat intelligence, and automated remediation to secure systems against the latest cyber threats.

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