CVE-2024-13089: Nozomi Networks OS Command Injection RCE

CVE-2024-13089 Overview

CVE-2024-13089 is an OS command injection vulnerability [CWE-78] in the update functionality of Nozomi Networks Guardian and Central Management Console (CMC). Authenticated administrators can upload update packages to upgrade appliance versions. The update packages are signed and validated before installation, but the signature validation check is improperly implemented. Attackers with administrative credentials can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the appliance. Successful exploitation affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device.

Critical Impact
An authenticated administrator can bypass update signature validation to execute arbitrary OS commands on Nozomi Guardian and CMC appliances, gaining full control of industrial network monitoring infrastructure.

Affected Products

Nozomi Networks Guardian
Nozomi Networks Central Management Console (CMC)
Refer to the Nozomi Networks Security Advisory for exact affected versions

Discovery Timeline

2025-06-10 - CVE-2024-13089 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-13089

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the appliance update workflow of Nozomi Guardian and CMC. Administrators upload signed update packages through the management interface to upgrade appliance software. The update handler validates the digital signature of each package before installation to ensure authenticity and integrity.

The signature validation logic is incomplete, allowing crafted content within the update package to reach an operating system command context without sufficient sanitization. An authenticated administrator can craft an update package that passes the flawed check and injects shell metacharacters or commands executed by the underlying OS. This yields arbitrary command execution in the appliance context.

Because Guardian and CMC devices sit on operational technology (OT) networks and aggregate sensor data, a compromise exposes network telemetry, alert history, and downstream sensors managed by the CMC.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78] combined with insufficient signature verification. The validation routine fails to fully authenticate the update artifact, allowing attacker-controlled content to influence command construction during the update procedure.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access to the appliance management interface and valid administrator credentials. The attacker uploads a crafted update package through the standard update workflow. When the appliance processes the malicious package, the injected commands execute with the privileges of the update process. The vulnerability manifests during signature handling and update extraction. Refer to the Nozomi Networks Security Advisory for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-13089

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected update package uploads recorded in Guardian or CMC administrative logs
Administrator sessions initiating update operations from unusual source IP addresses or outside change-management windows
Unexplained shell processes, outbound connections, or file modifications on Guardian and CMC appliances following an update event
Update packages with signatures or checksums that do not match Nozomi's published release artifacts

Detection Strategies

Audit appliance system logs for update-related activity and correlate with authorized change tickets
Monitor administrative account activity for privilege abuse, credential sharing, and off-hours access
Compare installed appliance versions and package hashes against the vendor's published release manifest

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Guardian and CMC audit logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation with identity and network telemetry
Alert on administrative logins from new geolocations, new user agents, or unmanaged endpoints
Track north-south traffic from Guardian and CMC appliances to detect unexpected outbound command-and-control connections

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-13089

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the fixed versions of Nozomi Guardian and CMC as listed in the Nozomi Networks Security Advisory
Restrict management interface access to a dedicated administrative network segment or jump host
Rotate administrator credentials and enforce multi-factor authentication on all appliance accounts
Review recent update history and audit logs for signs of unauthorized package uploads

Patch Information

Nozomi Networks has released fixed versions of Guardian and CMC that correct the signature validation logic. Consult the Nozomi Networks Security Advisory NN-2025:1-01 for exact patched version numbers, upgrade procedures, and integrity verification hashes.

Workarounds

Limit the number of accounts holding administrator privileges on Guardian and CMC to reduce the exploitation surface
Enforce strict change-control processes requiring documented approval before any update package upload
Isolate management interfaces behind a firewall that permits access only from authorized administrator workstations
Continuously monitor for unauthorized configuration or software changes on appliances until patches are applied