This critical SolarWinds bug is already being exploited, so patch now


A critical vulnerability plaguing a SolarWinds product is being actively exploited to remotely run malicious code on flawed servers. Since the patch is available, users are advised to apply it immediately and thus secure their endpoints.
It was recently reported SolarWinds’ Web Help Desk has a Java deserialization security vulnerability, that allows threat actors to run code and commands, remotely. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2024-28986 and carries a severity score of 9.8 (critical).
SolarWinds’ Web Help Desk is a web-based help desk software platform designed to manage IT service requests and streamline support operations. It offers features such as ticketing management, asset management, change management, and knowledge base integration. The software allows IT teams to track and resolve issues more efficiently by automating workflows, assigning tickets, and providing self-service options for end-users.
Proof of abuse
SolarWinds pushed a patch last Wednesday, and urged its users to apply it, despite having no proof of in-the-wild exploits at the time.
“While it was reported as an unauthenticated vulnerability, SolarWinds has been unable to reproduce it without authentication after thorough testing. However, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend all Web Help Desk customers apply the patch, which is now available,” SolarWinds said.
“WHD 12.8.3 Hotfix 1 should not be applied if SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) is utilized. A new patch will be available shortly to address this problem.” Before applying the fix, users should upgrade their servers to 12.8.3.1813.
A few days following the announcement, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added the bug to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means it has evidence of in-the-wild abuse. As a result, all federal agencies have until September 5 to patch vulnerable servers, or stop using the tool altogether.
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Via BleepingComputer
More from TechRadar Pro
A critical vulnerability plaguing a SolarWinds product is being actively exploited to remotely run malicious code on flawed servers. Since the patch is available, users are advised to apply it immediately and thus secure their endpoints. It was recently reported SolarWinds’ Web Help Desk has a Java deserialization security vulnerability,…
Recent Posts
- ASUS is making a ‘Fragrance Mouse,’ and it’s coming to the US
- Bored of the zombies in The Walking Dead? MGM Plus’ Earth Abides is a refreshing change to the usual dull post-apocalypse series
- Sandisk plans 256TB SSD in 2026 and 512TB SSD in 2027 and no, you won’t be able to install it in your desktop computer
- Lenovo Legion Go S review: feels good, plays bad
- Die in the Dungeon will keep you busy until Slay the Spire 2
Archives
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- September 2018
- October 2017
- December 2011
- August 2010