CVE-2024-22460 Overview
Dell PowerProtect DM5500 version 5.15.0.0 and prior contains an insecure deserialization vulnerability [CWE-502] in the appliance software. A remote attacker with high privileges can send crafted serialized objects to the vulnerable application. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected service.
The flaw affects Dell's PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance line, which enterprises use for backup and data protection workloads. Dell addressed the issue through advisory DSA-2024-083.
Critical Impact
An authenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary code on the PowerProtect DM5500 appliance, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected backup data.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerProtect DM5500 firmware versions 5.15.0.0 and prior
- Dell PowerProtect DM5500 appliance hardware
- Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance (per DSA-2024-083)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-08 - CVE-2024-22460 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-22460
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an insecure deserialization flaw categorized under CWE-502. The DM5500 application accepts serialized data from an authenticated interface and reconstructs objects without validating the object type or content.
When an attacker submits a specially crafted serialized payload, the deserialization routine instantiates attacker-controlled objects. If the resulting object graph invokes methods on gadget classes present in the application's classpath, code execution occurs in the process context of the backup service.
Because the backup appliance typically runs with elevated privileges and handles enterprise data, successful exploitation can pivot from application-level code execution to full data compromise. The attack is network-reachable but requires prior authentication as a high-privileged user.
Root Cause
The root cause is the acceptance of untrusted serialized objects by a management endpoint without a type allowlist, integrity check, or safer serialization format. Standard mitigations for insecure deserialization such as look-ahead deserialization filters or replacing native serialization with a data-only format like JSON with strict schema validation were not enforced in affected releases.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the PowerProtect DM5500 management interface and authenticated credentials with high privileges. The attacker submits a serialized payload to the vulnerable endpoint. The application deserializes the payload and executes gadget chains that invoke arbitrary code. No user interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept is currently listed for CVE-2024-22460, and it is not tracked in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the Dell Security Advisory DSA-2024-083 for vendor technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-22460
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the DM5500 application or backup service user account
- Anomalous outbound network connections originating from the appliance following administrative sessions
- Unusual serialized payload structures such as Java AC ED 00 05 magic bytes in HTTP request bodies to management endpoints
- New or modified files in application working directories that do not match Dell-signed update artifacts
Detection Strategies
- Inspect management interface traffic for serialized object markers submitted by authenticated administrators
- Alert on process lineage where the DM5500 service process spawns shells, interpreters, or reconnaissance binaries
- Correlate high-privileged administrative logins with subsequent code execution or file-system change events on the appliance
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward appliance audit logs and management API access logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation
- Baseline normal administrative activity so deviations such as off-hours logins from new source IPs are surfaced quickly
- Monitor privileged account usage on DM5500 appliances and rotate credentials after any suspected exposure
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-22460
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the update referenced in Dell DSA-2024-083 to move beyond DM5500 firmware 5.15.0.0
- Restrict network access to the DM5500 management interface to a dedicated administrative network segment
- Audit and reduce the population of high-privileged accounts on the appliance and enforce multi-factor authentication for remaining accounts
- Review recent administrative activity for unexpected serialized payloads or command execution
Patch Information
Dell released fixed firmware for PowerProtect DM5500 as part of advisory DSA-2024-083. Administrators should upgrade to the vendor-recommended remediated version and validate the appliance build after upgrade.
Workarounds
- Isolate the DM5500 management plane behind a firewall that restricts access to known administrator source addresses
- Enforce least privilege by limiting the number of accounts with the high-privilege role required for exploitation
- Require jump-host access with session recording for all administrative activity against the appliance until patching is complete
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
