CVE-2024-11680 has emerged as a critical security vulnerability affecting ProjectSend, an open-source file-sharing application widely used by organizations for secure file management. This flaw, identified in versions prior to r1720, poses significant risks, allowing remote, unauthenticated attackers to exploit the application’s configuration through malicious HTTP requests. Here’s everything you need to know about CVE-2024-11680, its implications, and how to protect your systems.
What Is CVE-2024-11680?
CVE-2024-11680 is an improper authentication vulnerability that affects the options.php file in ProjectSend. This flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, enabling unauthorized modifications to the application’s configuration. Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to:
- Creation of rogue user accounts.
- Uploading of malicious files such as webshells.
- Injection of harmful JavaScript code.
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) rates this vulnerability as critical, reflecting its potential for significant damage.
How Was CVE-2024-11680 Discovered?
This vulnerability was initially reported by Synacktiv in early 2023. A patch was committed on May 16, 2023, but the official release of the fixed version (r1720) was delayed until August 3, 2024. Despite the patch’s availability, many ProjectSend instances remain unpatched, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Active Exploitation in the Wild
Attackers have actively exploited CVE-2024-11680 since September 2024. Some observed activities include:
- Altering landing page titles to obscure text.
- Enabling user registration to create unauthorized accounts.
- Deploying exploits to gain administrative control.
Public exploit tools, such as Nuclei templates and Metasploit modules, have further facilitated attacks, increasing the urgency for patching vulnerable systems.
Implications for Organizations
Organizations relying on ProjectSend face severe risks if this vulnerability is not addressed. Successful exploitation can lead to:
- Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive files.
- System Compromise: Deployment of backdoors and malware.
- Reputation Damage: Loss of trust from clients and stakeholders.
Mitigation Steps
To protect your organization from CVE-2024-11680, follow these steps:
1. Update to the Latest Version
Upgrade ProjectSend to version r1720 or later immediately. This version includes the necessary patches to eliminate the vulnerability.
2. Strengthen Access Controls
Implement robust access controls to restrict unauthorized users from accessing critical files and configurations.
3. Enable Monitoring and Logging
Regularly monitor application logs for unusual activities, such as:
- Unauthorized configuration changes.
- Creation of unknown user accounts.
- Suspicious file uploads.
4. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Periodically review user accounts, file uploads, and configuration settings to identify potential compromises.
5. Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF can detect and block malicious HTTP requests targeting options.php and other vulnerable endpoints.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-11680 underscores the importance of timely updates and proactive security measures. With evidence of active exploitation, it is crucial for organizations using ProjectSend to address this vulnerability without delay. By upgrading to version r1720, implementing access controls, and maintaining vigilant monitoring, you can safeguard your systems against this critical threat.
Stay informed and act promptly to ensure your organization’s security. For more technical details and updates on CVE-2024-11680, visit the National Vulnerability Database.
