CVE-2024-41783 Overview
CVE-2024-41783 is a command injection vulnerability affecting IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions 6.0.0.0, 6.0.0.1, 6.0.0.2, 6.0.0.3, 6.1.0.0, and 6.2.0.0. The flaw allows a privileged user to inject operating system commands due to improper validation of a specified input type. The weakness is classified under [CWE-77] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command). Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the proxy service.
Critical Impact
An authenticated, privileged user can inject commands into the underlying operating system, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the host running IBM Sterling Secure Proxy.
Affected Products
- IBM Sterling Secure Proxy 6.0.0.0 through 6.0.0.3
- IBM Sterling Secure Proxy 6.1.0.0 and 6.2.0.0
- Deployments on IBM AIX, Linux on IBM Z, Linux kernel, and Microsoft Windows
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-19 - CVE-2024-41783 published to NVD
- 2025-07-25 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-41783
Vulnerability Analysis
IBM Sterling Secure Proxy operates as a managed file transfer (MFT) proxy that sits in a DMZ to broker connections between trading partners and internal systems. The product exposes administrative functions that accept structured input from privileged users. CVE-2024-41783 stems from missing or insufficient neutralization of special characters within one of those input fields before it is passed to an operating system command interpreter.
Because the vulnerable code path constructs a shell command using user-controlled input, an authenticated administrator can append shell metacharacters such as ;, &&, |, or backticks to inject additional commands. The injected commands execute under the account that runs the Secure Proxy service, which typically holds elevated rights on the host. The vulnerability is network-reachable, requires no user interaction, and produces a scope change because the proxy service can act on resources beyond its own security context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation [CWE-77]. The application accepts a specific input type without sanitizing shell metacharacters or applying allowlist validation before invoking an operating system command. This allows command separators and substitution syntax to alter the intended command line.
Attack Vector
An attacker must first obtain credentials for a privileged Sterling Secure Proxy account. With that access, the attacker submits crafted input through the administrative interface or API. The proxy passes the value into a shell command, where the injected payload executes alongside the legitimate command. Insider threats and attackers leveraging stolen administrator credentials are the primary risk profiles.
No public proof-of-concept code or exploit module is currently available. See the IBM Support Page for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-41783
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the Sterling Secure Proxy service account, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, /bin/sh, or /bin/bash.
- Audit log entries showing administrative configuration changes containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, backticks) in input fields.
- Outbound network connections initiated by the proxy host to addresses not associated with configured trading partners.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage on Sterling Secure Proxy hosts and alert when the proxy process forks shell interpreters or scripting engines.
- Enable verbose administrative audit logging in Sterling Secure Proxy and forward events to a centralized SIEM for correlation against authentication anomalies.
- Apply file integrity monitoring to the Sterling Secure Proxy installation directory and configuration files to detect unauthorized modifications.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track all logins to privileged Sterling Secure Proxy accounts and flag access from new source IPs or outside business hours.
- Baseline normal command execution by the proxy service account and alert on deviations such as new binary execution or file system writes.
- Review IBM security bulletins regularly for updated indicators tied to this advisory.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-41783
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced in the IBM Support Page for CVE-2024-41783 on all affected Sterling Secure Proxy installations.
- Audit and reduce the number of accounts assigned privileged roles within Sterling Secure Proxy.
- Rotate credentials for all administrative accounts after patching and review recent administrative activity for suspicious input.
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance and fixed versions through its support portal. Review the vendor bulletin at the IBM Support Page and upgrade Sterling Secure Proxy 6.0.0.0, 6.0.0.1, 6.0.0.2, 6.0.0.3, 6.1.0.0, and 6.2.0.0 deployments to the fixed release identified by IBM.
Workarounds
- Restrict administrative access to Sterling Secure Proxy to a hardened management network and require multi-factor authentication.
- Enforce least privilege on the operating system account that runs the Sterling Secure Proxy service to limit the impact of command execution.
- Place the proxy host behind egress filtering rules that block outbound connections to unauthorized destinations.
# Configuration example: restrict the Sterling Secure Proxy admin interface
# to a dedicated management subnet using host-based firewall rules
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -s 10.10.50.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
