CVE-2024-33898

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication in Axiros AXESS Auto Configuration Server (ACS) and execute arbitrary code without credentials. It affects versions 4.x and 5.0.0 of the software, potentially compromising the entire system.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Axiros AXESS Auto Configuration Server (ACS)
Versions: 4.x and 5.0.0
Operating Systems: Not specified, likely cross-platform
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All deployments of affected versions are vulnerable unless patched or mitigated.

⚠️ Manual Verification Required

This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.

Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).

🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.

Recommended Actions:
  1. Review the CVE details at NVD
  2. Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
  3. Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
  4. Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full system compromise with remote code execution, leading to data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthenticated attackers gain remote code execution, enabling them to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt ACS operations.

🟢

If Mitigated

If patched or isolated, impact is limited to denial-of-service or minor configuration changes, but risk remains high without fixes.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH, as the vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote exploitation, making internet-exposed instances prime targets.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH, because internal attackers or compromised systems can exploit it to escalate privileges or move laterally.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: LOW

Exploitation is straightforward due to the authorization bypass, making it attractive for attackers.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 5.0.1 or later (check vendor advisory for exact version)

Vendor Advisory: https://www.axiros.com/2024/03/vulnerability-in-axusermanager

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Review the vendor advisory. 2. Download and apply the latest patch from Axiros. 3. Restart the ACS service to apply changes. 4. Verify the fix using version checks.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Isolation

linux

Restrict network access to the ACS server to trusted IPs only, reducing exposure to attackers.

Use firewall rules: e.g., iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport <ACS_PORT> -s <TRUSTED_IP> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport <ACS_PORT> -j DROP

Disable Unused Services

all

Turn off unnecessary ACS features or interfaces to minimize attack surface.

Check ACS configuration files and disable non-essential modules or ports.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit who can reach the ACS server.
  • Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity, such as unauthorized access attempts or unexpected code execution.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check the ACS version; if it is 4.x or 5.0.0, it is vulnerable. Use the version check command.

Check Version:

Check the ACS web interface or configuration files for version details; specific command may vary by installation.

Verify Fix Applied:

After patching, confirm the version is updated to 5.0.1 or later and test authentication controls.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unauthenticated access attempts to ACS endpoints
  • Unusual process execution or file modifications in ACS logs

Network Indicators:

  • Unexpected traffic to ACS ports from untrusted sources
  • Anomalous outbound connections post-exploit

SIEM Query:

Example: 'source="acs_logs" AND (event_type="auth_failure" OR event_type="execution")'

🔗 References

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