CVE-2024-3372 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
Improper validation of certain metadata input may result in the server not correctly serialising BSON. This can be performed pre-authentication and may cause unexpected application behavior including unavailability of serverStatus responses. This issue affects MongoDB Server v7.0 versions prior to 7.0.6, MongoDB Server v6.0 versions prior to 6.0.14 and MongoDB Server v.5.0 versions prior to 5.0.25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-3372 represents a critical flaw in MongoDB Server's handling of BSON serialization processes that can lead to significant operational disruptions. This issue stems from inadequate validation of metadata input within the server's processing pipeline, specifically affecting versions prior to their respective security patches. The vulnerability exists at the core data serialization layer where MongoDB processes incoming metadata structures, creating a potential attack surface that can be exploited without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when malformed or improperly structured metadata is processed by the MongoDB server's BSON serialization engine. This flaw occurs during the pre-authentication phase, meaning that any client can potentially trigger the issue simply by sending specially crafted metadata inputs to the server. The improper validation allows certain metadata elements to bypass normal processing constraints, resulting in the server's inability to correctly serialize BSON documents. This serialization failure can cascade into broader system instability, particularly affecting the serverStatus command which provides critical operational metrics and diagnostic information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data processing failures, as it can render essential monitoring and administrative functions unavailable. When the server encounters malformed metadata that triggers the BSON serialization issue, it may become unresponsive or crash, leading to service unavailability for legitimate users and administrators. The inability to provide serverStatus responses represents a particularly concerning aspect since this command is fundamental for system monitoring, performance analysis, and troubleshooting activities. This disruption can significantly complicate incident response efforts and system maintenance operations, as administrators lose visibility into the server's operational state.
Security implications of CVE-2024-3372 align with CWE-20 standards for improper input validation, specifically targeting the improper handling of data structures within the database engine. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, as it allows unauthorized parties to disrupt service availability without requiring authentication. Organizations running affected MongoDB versions face increased risk of denial-of-service conditions that can persist until the underlying serialization issue is resolved through patching. The pre-authentication nature of the exploit means that this vulnerability can be leveraged by any network entity with access to the MongoDB server's network interface, making it particularly dangerous in exposed environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected MongoDB server versions to their respective secure releases. Organizations should prioritize updating MongoDB instances to versions 7.0.6, 6.0.14, and 5.0.25 or later, depending on their current version. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of MongoDB instances to untrusted networks, although this does not prevent exploitation by authenticated attackers or those with access to the network. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in serverStatus command responses or unexpected service disruptions that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at application layers can provide defensive measures against similar issues, though the primary resolution must occur at the MongoDB server level where the core vulnerability resides.