Description Preview
This CVE stems from improper restriction of XML External Entity references (CWE-611) in the SmartDeviceServer component of Ivanti Avalanche. An attacker can craft and send XML payloads containing external entity references, which are processed by the server without sufficient safeguards, enabling the disclosure of sensitive server files without authentication. The issue is reachable over the network with no user interaction required, and it carries a CVSS v3.0 base score of 8.2 (HIGH), reflecting a high impact on confidentiality with partial impact to availability.
Overview
The vulnerability is an XML External Entity (XXE) flaw in Ivanti Avalanche’s SmartDeviceServer that can be exploited remotely and without authentication to exfiltrate arbitrary server files. It affects Avalanche releases prior to 6.4.4 (notably 6.3.1 through 6.4.3) and arises from improper handling of XML external entities (CWE-611). The impact is significant, with a high severity score indicating potential exposure of sensitive data, while the attacker requires no user interaction beyond sending a crafted XML payload. Ivanti has published advisories detailing the affected versions and the remediation, highlighting the importance of upgrading to the fixed release.
Remediation
- Action 1: Upgrade Ivanti Avalanche to the fixed version (6.4.4 or newer) and apply all available security patches related to CVE-2024-38653.
- Action 2: After patching, verify the fix by testing with a controlled XXE payload to ensure external entity processing is mitigated.
- Action 3: If immediate upgrade is not possible, implement compensating controls: limit network access to the Avalanche server to trusted hosts, and, if configurable, disable or harden XML parser settings to prevent external entities from being resolved.
- Action 4: Monitor Ivanti advisories and CVE references for any additional mitigations or related vulnerabilities (e.g., CVE-2024-38652) and apply them as they become available.
- Action 5: Review security best practices for XML processing in the environment, enable logging and alerting for suspicious XML payloads, and consider network-level WAF protections to detect XXE patterns.
References
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
