CVE-2024-28986: SolarWinds Web Help Desk RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-28986 Overview

SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution vulnerability that, if exploited, would allow an attacker to run commands on the host machine. While it was reported as an unauthenticated vulnerability, SolarWinds has been unable to reproduce it without authentication after thorough testing. However, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend all Web Help Desk customers apply the patch, which is now available.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote code execution, posing significant risks to affected systems.

Affected Products

• SolarWinds Web Help Desk
• cpe:2.3:a:solarwinds:web_help_desk::::::::
• cpe:2.3:a:solarwinds:web_help_desk:12.8.3:-::::::

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to solarwinds
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-28986 assigned
• Not Available - solarwinds releases security patch
• 2024-08-13 - CVE CVE-2024-28986 published to NVD
• 2025-10-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-28986

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from insecure deserialization of untrusted data, leading to a potential remote code execution (RCE). Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious serialized objects, resulting in unauthorized command execution on the affected server.

Root Cause

This issue arises from improper handling of serialized objects within SolarWinds Web Help Desk. The deserialization process lacks adequate validation and sanitation, allowing potentially harmful objects to be executed.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely by sending crafted payloads over the network without requiring authentication.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
try {
    ObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(serializedObject));
    ois.readObject();
} catch (Exception e) {
    e.printStackTrace();
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-28986

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual network activity originating from the SolarWinds Web Help Desk server
• Unauthorized system modifications or file changes
• Execution of unknown processes or binaries

Detection Strategies

Implement network monitoring to detect serialized objects in incoming data streams. Utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures that recognize exploit attempts for Java deserialization vulnerabilities.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly audit and analyze application logs for unusual patterns or signs of deserialization attacks. Employ application-level monitoring to catch anomalies in web traffic behavior.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-28986

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest patch from SolarWinds immediately.
• Restrict network access to the Web Help Desk service.
• Enable strict input validation and deserialization checks.

Patch Information

SolarWinds has released a patch to address this vulnerability. Detailed instructions and patch download links are available on their security advisory page.

Workarounds

If patching is not immediately possible, consider disabling Java deserialization where feasible or using a deserialization library that provides additional security checks.

# Configuration example to restrict network access
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s trusted.source.ip -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP