CVE-2024-6576 in MOVEit Transfer
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2024
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Progress MOVEit Transfer (SFTP module) can lead to Privilege Escalation.This issue affects MOVEit Transfer: from 2023.0.0 before 2023.0.12, from 2023.1.0 before 2023.1.7, from 2024.0.0 before 2024.0.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2025
The CVE-2024-6576 vulnerability represents a critical improper authentication flaw within Progress MOVEit Transfer's SFTP module that directly enables privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability exists in specific version ranges of the MOVEit Transfer software, affecting releases from 2023.0.0 before 2023.0.12, 2023.1.0 before 2023.1.7, and 2024.0.0 before 2024.0.3. The flaw fundamentally undermines the authentication mechanisms that should verify user credentials and enforce access controls within the SFTP subsystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of authentication tokens and session management within the SFTP module, allowing attackers to bypass legitimate authentication processes. This weakness aligns with CWE-287, which categorizes improper authentication as a critical security concern that enables unauthorized access to protected resources. The SFTP module in MOVEit Transfer is designed to facilitate secure file transfers using SSH protocol standards, but this vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious actors to gain elevated privileges without proper authorization. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive data, modify file transfer configurations, and perform operations that should be restricted to authorized administrative users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When exploited, the improper authentication mechanism allows attackers to establish SFTP sessions with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the normal access control enforcement that should prevent unauthorized administrative actions. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on MOVEit Transfer for secure file exchange operations, as it creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited repeatedly. The SFTP module's role in handling sensitive file transfers means that successful exploitation could lead to the compromise of confidential data, including personally identifiable information, financial records, and proprietary business data. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams demonstrates a systemic flaw in the authentication implementation that requires immediate remediation across all affected deployments. Organizations using MOVEit Transfer in production environments face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of vendor-provided patches and updates. The affected versions represent a clear attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to enterprise file transfer systems. Mitigation strategies should include comprehensive network monitoring for suspicious SFTP activity, implementation of multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular security assessments of file transfer infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as improper authentication aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials as a means of gaining access to systems. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to MOVEit Transfer systems and establish robust logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized authentication attempts. The patching process should be carefully coordinated to ensure minimal disruption to business operations while maintaining security posture. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other enterprise systems and file transfer solutions. The remediation process must include thorough validation of patched systems to confirm that the authentication mechanisms function correctly and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the SFTP implementation.