CVE-2024-30117 Overview
CVE-2024-30117 affects the HCL BigFix Platform. The vulnerability stems from an uncontrolled search path element ([CWE-427]) during dynamic library loading. An attacker who can place a file in a location searched before the legitimate library may cause the application to load an attacker-supplied file instead of the intended prerequisite library.
The issue is tracked as an integrity-impacting weakness in HCL's endpoint management product. Exploitation requires specific preconditions related to file system placement and search path configuration.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to substitute a required library file, leading to loading of unintended code within the BigFix Platform process context.
Affected Products
- HCL BigFix Platform (see vendor advisory for exact version ranges)
- Deployments relying on dynamic prerequisite library resolution
- Endpoint management infrastructure built on the BigFix agent and server components
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-14 - CVE-2024-30117 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30117
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-427] Uncontrolled Search Path Element. HCL BigFix Platform performs a dynamic search to locate a prerequisite library at runtime. The search order includes directories that may be writable or influenced by a lower-privileged actor.
When the resolution algorithm finds a matching filename earlier in the search sequence than the legitimate library, it loads that file. The loaded code then executes with the privileges of the calling BigFix process. This class of flaw is common in Windows DLL loading and Unix shared object resolution when applications do not use fully qualified paths.
The impact is limited to integrity based on the CVSS scoring. Confidentiality and availability are not directly affected by the base weakness, though downstream effects depend on what the substituted library performs.
Root Cause
The root cause is the application's reliance on ambient search paths rather than an absolute path or a pinned trusted directory when loading a required library. Without validation of the resolved file, any writable directory earlier in the search order becomes a viable substitution point.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-listed in the CVSS metadata, but exploitation depends on an attacker being able to influence the search path or drop a file into a searched directory. See the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article for vendor-specific preconditions.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities listing exists for CVE-2024-30117 at the time of publication.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30117
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected library files present in directories adjacent to BigFix binaries or in per-user writable paths
- BigFix processes loading modules from non-standard directories rather than the installation folder
- Recently created files matching the names of prerequisite libraries in temporary or working directories
Detection Strategies
- Inventory the modules loaded by BigFix processes and compare the resolved paths against the expected installation directory
- Audit file system permissions on directories that appear in the BigFix process search order
- Enable image load event logging on hosts running BigFix components to identify unusual DLL or shared object loads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor file creation events for library file extensions in directories writable by non-administrative users
- Alert on BigFix process creation events where the parent or loaded modules originate outside trusted installation paths
- Correlate endpoint telemetry with vendor advisory KB0116659 remediation status across the fleet
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30117
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article and apply the fixed BigFix Platform release
- Restrict write permissions on all directories that appear in the search path of BigFix processes
- Verify that the BigFix installation directory is protected against modification by non-administrative accounts
Patch Information
HCL has published remediation guidance in knowledge base article KB0116659. Administrators should consult the advisory to determine the fixed version applicable to their deployment and schedule an upgrade of both server and agent components where indicated.
Workarounds
- Enforce least-privilege file system permissions on all directories referenced during library resolution
- Remove writable entries from the process search path where operationally feasible
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized library files from executing within the BigFix process context
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
