CVE-2024-24722 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2024
An unquoted service path vulnerability in the 12d Synergy Server and File Replication Server components may allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges via the 12d Synergy Server and/or 12d Synergy File Replication Server executable service path. This is fixed in 4.3.10.192, 5.1.5.221, and 5.1.6.235.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-24722 represents a critical unquoted service path weakness affecting the 12d Synergy Server and File Replication Server components. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal and privilege escalation issues that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity frameworks including CWE-177 and CWE-426. The flaw manifests when Windows service paths containing spaces are not properly quoted, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that executes with elevated privileges. The 12d Synergy Server and File Replication Server applications are particularly susceptible because their service execution paths lack proper quotation, allowing attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate service binaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to understand the service installation process and identify the specific service path that lacks proper quoting. When a Windows service is installed without properly quoted paths containing spaces, the operating system searches for executables in the order specified by the path, beginning with the first directory in the path. This creates a window where an attacker can place a malicious executable with the same name as the first directory in the path, causing the system to execute the attacker-controlled file instead of the legitimate service binary. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to execute code with the privileges of the service account, which often includes administrative rights. This vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting service execution and binary planting methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-24722 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and persistent access. Organizations utilizing 12d Synergy Server and File Replication Server components are at risk of unauthorized privilege escalation attacks that could lead to data exfiltration, system infiltration, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, including the 4.3.10.192, 5.1.5.221, and 5.1.6.235 releases, indicating that the flaw has persisted across several major version releases. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these servers often operate with elevated privileges and may be configured to run with system-level permissions, making successful exploitation equivalent to achieving system compromise. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect through routine scanning, as it requires specific knowledge of service configurations and path structures.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include patching affected systems to versions 4.3.10.192, 5.1.5.221, or 5.1.6.235 where the vulnerability has been resolved. System administrators must also conduct comprehensive service path audits to identify any remaining unquoted paths in the environment that could be similarly vulnerable. The remediation process should include proper quoting of all service paths during installation, ensuring that directory names containing spaces are enclosed in double quotes. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular service path validation can prevent similar issues from arising in other applications. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized service installations and path modifications, as these activities often precede privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and service configuration management in preventing attackers from exploiting common Windows service misconfigurations that have been documented in cybersecurity literature for decades.