CVE-2024-4197: Avaya IP Office RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-4197 Overview

CVE-2024-4197 is an unrestricted file upload vulnerability affecting Avaya IP Office through the One-X component. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files to the server, potentially leading to remote command or code execution. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of uploaded file types and content, enabling attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious payloads on vulnerable systems.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote code execution via unrestricted file upload in Avaya IP Office's One-X component, potentially allowing complete system compromise with no user interaction required.

Affected Products

• Avaya IP Office versions prior to 11.1.3.1
• Avaya IP Office One-X component (all affected versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-06-25 - CVE-2024-4197 published to NVD
• 2025-01-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-4197

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The core issue lies in the One-X component's failure to properly validate and restrict the types of files that can be uploaded to the server. Without adequate file type verification, content inspection, or execution restrictions on uploaded files, attackers can upload malicious scripts or executables that are subsequently processed or executed by the server.

The network-accessible attack vector with no authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations exposing Avaya IP Office systems to the network. Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to execute arbitrary commands or code with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and persistent access to the enterprise network.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-4197 is the lack of proper input validation and file type restrictions in the One-X component's file upload functionality. The application fails to implement adequate server-side validation mechanisms such as:

• File extension verification against an allowlist
• MIME type validation and content inspection
• Restriction of upload directories with proper execution permissions
• Sanitization of file names to prevent path traversal

This allows attackers to upload files with executable extensions (such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or server-specific script types) that are then processed by the web server, leading to code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack leverages the network-accessible file upload endpoint in the One-X component. An attacker can craft an HTTP request containing a malicious file with a dangerous extension or embedded code. The attack flow typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable file upload endpoint in the One-X component
2. Crafting a malicious file (e.g., a web shell or reverse shell script)
3. Uploading the file through the unprotected endpoint
4. Accessing the uploaded file directly via the web server to trigger execution
5. Gaining command execution on the underlying system

The vulnerability requires no authentication and no user interaction, making it exploitable by any network-adjacent or remote attacker with access to the One-X component interface.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-4197

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected files with executable extensions (.php, .jsp, .asp, .aspx) appearing in web-accessible directories
• Web server logs showing requests to unusual file paths following upload activity
• Outbound network connections from the Avaya IP Office server to unknown external hosts
• Process execution anomalies on the server, particularly web server processes spawning shells or command interpreters

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file upload activity in web server access logs for the One-X component, flagging uploads of potentially dangerous file types
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on web-accessible directories to detect unauthorized file additions
• Deploy network intrusion detection rules to identify web shell traffic patterns and command-and-control communications
• Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious process execution chains originating from web server processes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on the Avaya IP Office One-X component and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Configure alerts for file creation events in the One-X upload directories
• Monitor for unusual HTTP POST requests to the file upload endpoints, particularly those with large payloads or unusual MIME types
• Establish baseline behavior for the Avaya IP Office server and alert on deviations in process execution, network connections, and file system activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-4197

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Avaya IP Office to version 11.1.3.1 or later immediately
• If immediate patching is not possible, restrict network access to the One-X component using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Review and audit existing files in web-accessible directories for signs of prior exploitation
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious file upload attempts

Patch Information

Avaya has released a security update addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to Avaya IP Office version 11.1.3.1 or later, which implements proper file upload validation and restrictions. Detailed patch information and download instructions are available in the Avaya Security Advisory.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to the One-X component to trusted IP addresses only using firewall rules
• Disable the file upload functionality in the One-X component if not required for business operations
• Implement a reverse proxy with strict content filtering in front of the Avaya IP Office web interface
• Apply the principle of least privilege to the web server process, ensuring it cannot execute uploaded files

# Example: Restrict access to One-X component via iptables
# Allow only trusted management network (adjust IP range as needed)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.10.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

# Example: Block common malicious file extensions at the firewall level
# This should be implemented in your WAF or reverse proxy configuration