CVE-2024-5178 in Now Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
ServiceNow has addressed a sensitive file read vulnerability that was identified in the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah Now Platform releases. This vulnerability could allow an administrative user to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files on the web application server. The vulnerability is addressed in the listed patches and hot fixes, which were released during the June 2024 patching cycle. If you have not done so already, we recommend applying security patches relevant to your instance as soon as possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical sensitive file read flaw within the ServiceNow platform that specifically affects the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah release versions. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that permit administrative users to bypass normal file system restrictions. The vulnerability operates by exploiting weaknesses in the platform's file access controls, allowing authenticated administrative accounts to retrieve files that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as classified by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on sensitive resources. The flaw represents a significant security risk because administrative privileges are typically required to access critical system components, yet this vulnerability allows for unauthorized file retrieval through potentially compromised administrative accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file access pathways within the ServiceNow web application server environment. Attackers can leverage existing administrative credentials to traverse file system boundaries and access sensitive data including configuration files, database connection details, application source code, and potentially user data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it could provide attackers with insights into the platform's internal architecture, authentication mechanisms, and potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities. The June 2024 patch cycle addressed this issue through enhanced input validation and strengthened access control enforcement within the platform's file handling components, specifically targeting the administrative user privilege escalation paths that were previously exploitable.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on ServiceNow platforms as it could enable attackers to gain access to sensitive organizational data and system configurations. The exposure of configuration files might reveal database credentials, encryption keys, or other critical system parameters that could facilitate further attacks. Organizations with compromised administrative accounts face particular risk as this vulnerability could be exploited to access sensitive files without detection, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. The impact is particularly concerning given that ServiceNow platforms typically house critical business data and are often integrated with other enterprise systems, making the potential attack surface substantial. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation and credential access, where attackers seek to expand their access within compromised systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate implementation of the June 2024 security patches and hot fixes released by ServiceNow. Organizations should prioritize patching their Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah platform instances to address the specific file access control weaknesses. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of administrative user accounts and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential impact if administrative credentials are compromised. Network segmentation and monitoring of file access patterns can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of ServiceNow environments should include verification of patch status and access control configurations to ensure ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and strengthening authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized administrative access, as this vulnerability specifically targets the administrative user privilege model within the platform.