CVE-2024-38856: Apache OFBiz Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-38856 Overview

Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Apache OFBiz.

This issue affects Apache OFBiz: through 18.12.14.

Users are recommended to upgrade to version 18.12.15, which fixes the issue.

Unauthenticated endpoints could allow execution of screen rendering code of screens if some preconditions are met (such as when the screen definitions don't explicitly check user's permissions because they rely on the configuration of their endpoints).

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows unauthorized access and potentially malicious execution of code by attackers.

Affected Products

• Apache OFBiz up to 18.12.14

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-08-05 - CVE-2024-38856 published to NVD
• 2025-10-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-38856

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from incorrect authorization checks in Apache OFBiz, which can lead to unintended execution of rendering code at certain endpoints, bypassing authentication.

Root Cause

The root cause of the vulnerability is the lack of explicit permissions checks in screen definitions, which rely heavily on endpoint configurations without adequate validation.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication from the attacker.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
fetch("http://vulnerable-ofbiz-instance/screenView")
  .then(response => response.text())
  .then(data => {
    console.log("Screen content:", data);
  });

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38856

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access logs to /screenView
• Unauthorized user sessions
• Unexpected screen rendering activities

Detection Strategies

Employ monitoring tools to track access logs for unauthorized requests to endpoint URLs and perform anomaly detection using SentinelOne’s behavior analysis capabilities.

Monitoring Recommendations

Set up alerts for access to vulnerable endpoints and monitor for patterns indicating exploitation attempts, leveraging real-time analytics in SentinelOne's platform.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38856

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 18.12.15
• Review endpoint configurations for explicit permission checks
• Implement strict access control policies

Patch Information

Version 18.12.15 includes fixes for this vulnerability. Details can be found at Apache OFBiz Security.

Workarounds

Disable vulnerable endpoints temporarily until the patch can be applied, and ensure endpoint configurations include explicit permission checks.

# Configuration example
echo "<screen-definition>
  <check-permission/>
</screen-definition>" > /ofbiz/config/screen-config.xml