CVE-2024-32037 in core
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2025
GeoNetwork is a catalog application to manage spatially referenced resources. In versions prior to 4.2.10 and 4.4.5, the search end-point response headers contain information about Elasticsearch software in use. This information is valuable from a security point of view because it allows software used by the server to be easily identified. GeoNetwork 4.4.5 and 4.2.10 fix this issue. No known workarounds are available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32037 affects GeoNetwork catalog applications that manage spatially referenced resources, specifically impacting versions prior to 4.2.10 and 4.4.5. This security flaw manifests in the search endpoint response headers where information about the underlying Elasticsearch software stack is disclosed, creating a significant information disclosure risk that adversaries can leverage for targeted attacks. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and information hiding, as the application inadvertently reveals critical infrastructure details that should remain obscured from external parties.
The technical flaw stems from improper header configuration within the search endpoint implementation, where Elasticsearch version information becomes embedded in HTTP response headers. This type of information disclosure can be categorized under CWE-200 - Information Exposure, specifically manifesting as exposure of system information through response headers. The vulnerability allows attackers to identify not only the presence of Elasticsearch but also its specific version, enabling them to conduct targeted reconnaissance and potentially exploit known vulnerabilities in that particular Elasticsearch version. This exposure creates a direct pathway for threat actors to map the backend infrastructure and plan subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial intelligence for crafting sophisticated attacks against the system. When Elasticsearch version information is exposed, it allows adversaries to determine whether the system is running vulnerable versions that may contain unpatched security flaws, such as those related to privilege escalation, remote code execution, or data leakage. This information can be correlated with existing vulnerability databases and exploit frameworks to develop targeted attack vectors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it compromises the system's ability to maintain sensitive operational information.
Mitigation efforts must focus on upgrading to GeoNetwork versions 4.2.10 or 4.4.5 where the issue has been addressed through proper header sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect any unauthorized disclosure of system information and establish automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The remediation process should include reviewing all application response headers for potential information disclosure and implementing proper header configuration management. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, particularly in the area of information security management where the protection of system information is paramount.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1592 - Gather Victim Host Information, specifically focusing on the enumeration of system services and software versions. The exposure of Elasticsearch version information can be leveraged as part of a reconnaissance phase, potentially leading to more severe attacks such as those targeting Elasticsearch-specific vulnerabilities or privilege escalation opportunities. Security teams should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such reconnaissance activities, while also establishing proper security awareness training for system administrators to prevent similar information disclosure issues in other applications.