CVE-2024-24578: RaspberryMatic RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-24578 Overview

CVE-2024-24578 is an unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting RaspberryMatic, an open-source operating system designed for HomeMatic internet-of-things (IoT) devices. The vulnerability exists within the Java-based HMIPServer.jar component, specifically in the FirmwareController class, which fails to perform session ID validation. This allows attackers to access protected functionality without authentication, ultimately enabling complete system compromise with root-level privileges.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can achieve remote code execution as root user, allowing full system compromise of HomeMatic IoT devices running RaspberryMatic.

Affected Products

• RaspberryMatic versions prior to 3.75.6.20240316
• OCCU (Open-source CCU) versions prior to 3.75.6.20240316
• HomeMatic IoT devices running vulnerable RaspberryMatic firmware

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-03-18 - CVE-2024-24578 published to NVD
• 2024-03-16 - RaspberryMatic releases security patch in version 3.75.6.20240316
• 2025-12-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-24578

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-23 (Relative Path Traversal), but the core security issue stems from missing authentication controls combined with dangerous functionality exposure. The RaspberryMatic system includes a Java-based HMIPServer component that handles various device management operations. This server is accessible through URLs beginning with /pages/jpages.

The FirmwareController class within HMIPServer.jar provides firmware-related functionality that should be restricted to authenticated administrators. However, the implementation fails to verify session identifiers before processing requests. This authentication bypass allows any network-accessible attacker to invoke sensitive operations that can lead to arbitrary code execution.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because successful exploitation grants root-level access to the underlying operating system. IoT devices running RaspberryMatic are often deployed in home automation environments where they may control critical systems like heating, lighting, and security.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-24578 lies in the FirmwareController class within the HMIPServer.jar component. This class exposes functionality through the /pages/jpages URL path but does not implement proper session validation. The absence of authentication checks means that any request to the vulnerable endpoints is processed regardless of whether the requester has a valid session.

This represents a fundamental violation of secure design principles—sensitive functionality should always require authentication, especially when it can affect system integrity. The combination of missing authentication with functionality that can execute commands as root creates a direct path from network access to full system compromise.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no authentication, user interaction, or special privileges. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying a RaspberryMatic device accessible on the network
2. Sending crafted HTTP requests to the /pages/jpages endpoint
3. Targeting the FirmwareController class functions that lack session validation
4. Leveraging the exposed functionality to execute arbitrary commands

The vulnerability mechanism involves sending specially crafted requests to the HMIPServer's FirmwareController endpoints. Because these endpoints do not validate session identifiers, the attacker's requests are processed with elevated privileges. For detailed technical information, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-24578

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected HTTP requests to /pages/jpages endpoints from external or unauthorized sources
• Anomalous process execution originating from the HMIPServer Java process
• Unauthorized modifications to system files or configurations on RaspberryMatic devices
• New user accounts or SSH keys added to the system without administrator action

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server logs for requests targeting /pages/jpages paths, especially from unexpected source IPs
• Implement network intrusion detection rules for HTTP traffic patterns associated with RaspberryMatic exploitation
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical system directories to detect unauthorized changes
• Configure alerts for any command execution spawned from the HMIPServer.jar process context

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline network traffic patterns for RaspberryMatic devices and alert on deviations
• Enable verbose logging on the HMIPServer component to capture detailed request information
• Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and monitor inter-segment traffic
• Use SentinelOne Singularity to monitor endpoint behavior and detect post-exploitation activities on accessible systems

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-24578

Immediate Actions Required

• Update RaspberryMatic immediately to version 3.75.6.20240316 or later
• If immediate patching is not possible, isolate affected devices from untrusted networks
• Review system logs for signs of prior exploitation attempts
• Audit device configurations and user accounts for unauthorized changes

Patch Information

RaspberryMatic has released version 3.75.6.20240316 which addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper session validation in the FirmwareController class. Users should download and apply the update from the official RaspberryMatic repository. The GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-q967-q4j8-637h provides additional details about the fix.

Workarounds

• Place RaspberryMatic devices behind a firewall that restricts access to the web interface from untrusted networks
• Implement network-level access controls to limit which hosts can communicate with the device on HTTP/HTTPS ports
• Use a VPN to access IoT device management interfaces rather than exposing them directly
• Consider disabling the HMIPServer component if HomeMatic IP functionality is not required

# Network isolation example using iptables (apply on network firewall)
# Restrict access to RaspberryMatic web interface to trusted management network only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP