CVE-2024-38195 in Azure CycleCloud
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2024
Azure CycleCloud Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The Azure CycleCloud remote code execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without authentication. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the CycleCloud management platform, which is designed to orchestrate and manage HPC clusters in azure environments. The flaw exists in the way the system processes user inputs and handles API requests, creating pathways for malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to underlying infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a combination of insecure deserialization practices and inadequate parameter validation within the CycleCloud web interface and API endpoints. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially malformed requests that trigger code execution within the context of the CycleCloud service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core management functionality of the platform, potentially allowing adversaries to manipulate cluster configurations, access sensitive data, or escalate privileges to gain control over entire HPC environments. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-1321 which specifically addresses insecure deserialization flaws that can lead to remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of entire high-performance computing clusters managed through Azure CycleCloud. Organizations relying on this platform for scientific computing, data processing, or research work may face significant disruptions when attackers exploit this flaw to disrupt services, steal intellectual property, or manipulate computational resources. The vulnerability affects the availability of cluster services and can lead to unauthorized data access or modification, potentially compromising sensitive research data or proprietary algorithms. Security teams must consider that this vulnerability can be exploited by both external attackers and privileged insiders with access to legitimate accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this Azure CycleCloud vulnerability should include immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates, along with network segmentation to limit access to CycleCloud management interfaces. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and implement multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts. The principle of least privilege should be applied to reduce the attack surface, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous API requests or unusual access patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the broader Azure environment. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which focuses on command and scripting interpreter usage, and follows security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for secure configuration management and access control.