CVE-2024-23568 in Aftermarket EPC
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2026
HCL Aftermarket EPC is vulnerable to attacks since the server software version used by the application is revealed by the web server. Displaying version information of software could allow an attacker to determine which vulnerabilities are present in the software, particularly if an outdated software version is in use with published vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2026
The vulnerability in HCL Aftermarket EPC stems from improper information disclosure through the web server response headers and error messages that reveal the specific server software version being utilized by the application. This exposure occurs when the web server responds to client requests with detailed version information that inadvertently provides attackers with precise software identification details. The disclosed server version information creates a significant security risk as it enables threat actors to conduct targeted reconnaissance activities against the specific software stack in use.
This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors through improper error handling or response construction. The vulnerability represents a fundamental weakness in the application's security posture where defensive measures fail to obscure the underlying technology stack from external observers. Attackers can leverage this disclosed version information to identify known vulnerabilities associated with specific software versions, particularly when those versions contain documented exploits and attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple reconnaissance as it enables attackers to execute more sophisticated exploitation techniques. When an attacker identifies that a server is running an outdated version of web server software, they can immediately cross-reference this information against publicly available vulnerability databases such as the National Vulnerability Database or CVE Details. This allows them to target specific exploits that have been developed for known weaknesses in that particular software version, significantly increasing their chances of successful compromise.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1592, which involves reconnaissance through information discovery activities. The disclosed server version information provides attackers with critical intelligence that can be used to map out potential attack surfaces and identify specific vulnerabilities to target. This information disclosure creates a pathway for attackers to bypass initial security controls and move more efficiently toward their objectives.
The mitigation strategy should focus on implementing proper response header management to prevent version information disclosure, including configuring the web server to remove or obscure version strings from HTTP responses, error messages, and server banners. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate other potential information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout their application stack. Additionally, maintaining current software versions and applying security patches promptly helps reduce the risk associated with this type of exposure, as newer versions typically contain improved security configurations that prevent such disclosures.
Security hardening practices must include comprehensive testing of web server responses to ensure no version information is exposed through headers, error pages, or other response mechanisms. Regular vulnerability scanning should be implemented to verify that no sensitive version information remains accessible to external parties. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can also help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts that leverage this type of disclosed information.
Organizations should establish secure coding practices that emphasize the importance of avoiding version disclosure in all server responses, ensuring that defensive measures are integrated into the development lifecycle rather than addressed as afterthoughts. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks when combined with other attack vectors, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive security awareness throughout the software development and deployment processes.
The long-term solution involves implementing robust security governance frameworks that include regular security assessments, proper version control management, and continuous monitoring of application responses to prevent future information disclosure incidents. This approach addresses not only the immediate vulnerability but also establishes a foundation for sustained security improvement across the organization's technology infrastructure.