CVE-2024-8419 Overview
CVE-2024-8419 affects an endpoint that hosts a script reachable over the network without authentication. An unauthorized remote attacker can invoke this script to force the system into a fail-safe state. The flaw is classified as Missing Authentication for Critical Function [CWE-306]. The vulnerability was published through VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-061, indicating an industrial or operational technology context where forced fail-safe transitions disrupt process availability.
Critical Impact
An unauthenticated attacker with network access can remotely trigger a fail-safe transition, producing a denial-of-service condition that interrupts dependent processes and operations.
Affected Products
- Refer to VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-061 for the affected vendor and product list
- Specific product identifiers are not enumerated in the NVD record
- Operators should consult the VDE advisory for impacted firmware versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-30 - CVE-2024-8419 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-8419
Vulnerability Analysis
The affected endpoint exposes a script over the network without enforcing authentication. Any client capable of reaching the device on the relevant network port can call the script. The script transitions the system into a fail-safe state, which halts normal operation as a protective measure. While fail-safe behavior is a desirable safety property when triggered legitimately, exposing the transition to unauthenticated callers converts it into an availability attack primitive. The result is a network-reachable denial-of-service condition against the controlled process.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing authentication check on a sensitive script endpoint [CWE-306]. The handler executes the requested action without validating the identity or authorization of the caller. Security-critical functions should require credentials or signed requests before changing operational state.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is the network. An attacker requires no privileges and no user interaction. The attacker sends a crafted request to the exposed script, triggering the fail-safe transition. Successful exploitation impacts availability without disclosing or modifying data. See the VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-061 for protocol-level details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-8419
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected fail-safe transitions logged by the affected device outside of maintenance windows
- Inbound network requests to the vulnerable script path from unauthorized source addresses
- Process or controller downtime correlated with external network access to management interfaces
Detection Strategies
- Monitor device event logs for fail-safe or safe-state transitions and correlate them with network traffic captures
- Inspect HTTP or proprietary protocol traffic to the device for requests targeting the documented script endpoint
- Alert on management-plane traffic originating from non-engineering network segments
Monitoring Recommendations
- Capture and retain network flow data between IT and OT zones to enable retrospective investigation
- Baseline normal access patterns for engineering workstations and alert on deviations
- Forward device syslog and SNMP traps to a central SIEM for correlation with network telemetry
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-8419
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network reachability of the affected device to authorized engineering hosts only
- Place the device behind a firewall that blocks the vulnerable script endpoint from untrusted networks
- Review device logs for prior unauthorized fail-safe transitions
Patch Information
Consult the VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-061 for vendor-supplied fixed firmware versions and remediation instructions. Apply vendor patches during a scheduled maintenance window and verify device functionality after the update.
Workarounds
- Segment the device into a dedicated OT network zone with strict ingress filtering per IEC 62443 zone and conduit guidance
- Block external access to the management interface using upstream firewall or access control list rules
- Require VPN or jump-host access for any administrative interaction with the device
- Disable the vulnerable script endpoint if the vendor advisory provides a supported configuration option
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
