CVE-2024-50618: CIPAce Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-50618 Overview

CVE-2024-50618 is a Use of Single-factor Authentication vulnerability (CWE-308) affecting the Authentication component of CIPPlanner CIPAce versions prior to 9.17. This weakness allows attackers to bypass authentication protection mechanisms when the system is configured to allow login with internal accounts. If the secret used in the single-factor authentication scheme becomes compromised, an attacker may potentially obtain full authentication access to the affected system.

Critical Impact
Compromised authentication secrets could allow unauthorized access to CIPAce systems, potentially exposing sensitive planning and project management data.

Affected Products

CIPPlanner CIPAce versions prior to 9.17

Discovery Timeline

2026-02-11 - CVE CVE-2024-50618 published to NVD
2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-50618

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from the reliance on single-factor authentication within CIPPlanner CIPAce's authentication component. Single-factor authentication schemes depend solely on one credential type (typically a password or secret) to verify user identity. When systems are configured to permit internal account logins, this architectural weakness becomes exploitable if the authentication secret is compromised through various means such as phishing, credential stuffing, brute force attacks, or data breaches.

The vulnerability affects the authentication flow where no secondary verification mechanism exists to validate user identity beyond the initial secret. This design flaw violates modern security best practices that recommend multi-factor authentication (MFA) for protecting sensitive systems.

Root Cause

The root cause is the implementation of single-factor authentication without additional verification layers. CWE-308 (Use of Single-factor Authentication) describes scenarios where authentication relies on only one factor, making the system vulnerable if that single factor is compromised. In CIPAce's case, the authentication component does not enforce or support additional authentication factors when internal accounts are enabled, creating a security gap that attackers can exploit.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring an attacker to have network access to the CIPAce application. The attack scenario involves:

An attacker identifies a CIPAce instance configured with internal account authentication
The attacker obtains the authentication secret through credential theft, social engineering, or brute force
With only the single authentication factor compromised, the attacker gains full authentication to the system
No additional verification challenges prevent unauthorized access

The vulnerability does not require complex exploitation techniques. Once an attacker possesses a valid credential, the lack of secondary authentication factors allows straightforward unauthorized access. The network attack vector means the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the target system.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-50618

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual login patterns from unexpected geographic locations or IP addresses
Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful logins
Authentication events from accounts during atypical hours or from unusual user agents
Concurrent sessions from different locations for the same user account

Detection Strategies

Implement authentication logging and monitor for anomalous login behavior
Deploy user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) to identify suspicious authentication patterns
Enable alerting for failed login attempts exceeding defined thresholds
Review audit logs for authentication events associated with internal accounts

Monitoring Recommendations

Establish baseline authentication patterns for normal user behavior
Configure SIEM rules to detect credential-based attacks such as brute force or credential stuffing
Monitor for lateral movement following successful authentication events
Implement real-time alerting for privileged account authentications

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-50618

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade CIPPlanner CIPAce to version 9.17 or later immediately
Enable multi-factor authentication if supported in the updated version
Review and audit all internal account configurations for unauthorized changes
Implement strong password policies and credential rotation for existing accounts

Patch Information

CIPPlanner has released a resolution for this vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to CIPAce version 9.17 or later to address the single-factor authentication weakness. For detailed patch information and upgrade instructions, refer to the CIP Planner CVE-2024-50618 Resolution page.

Workarounds

Consider disabling internal account authentication if external identity providers with MFA are available
Implement network-level access controls to restrict authentication endpoints to trusted networks
Deploy additional authentication controls at the network perimeter such as VPN with MFA
Enable IP allowlisting to limit authentication attempts to known, trusted addresses