CISA Adds CVE-2024-38094: Deserialization Vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint

On October 22, 2024, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added a new vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog, specifically CVE-2024-38094, which pertains to a deserialization vulnerability found in Microsoft SharePoint. This addition arose from clear evidence of exploitations actively being conducted against the vulnerability, underscoring just how crucial it is for organizations—especially those in federal sectors— to stay ahead of potential attacks.

What Makes CVE-2024-38094 Risky?​

The vulnerability in question allows malicious actors the following capabilities:

• Remote Code Execution (RCE): This means that an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Given the widespread use of SharePoint in organizational communication and workflow, this can lead to significant data breaches or disruptions.

Deserialization vulnerabilities like this often serve as attack vectors for cyber threats. They exploit a flaw where the program interprets data that is structured in a way the system does not expect, leading to unforeseen program behavior, including execution of malicious code.

Binding Operational Directive 22-01​

CISA's move to add vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-38094 to the KEV catalog is part of the Binding Operational Directive 22-01. This directive mandates that federal agencies remediate vulnerabilities that pose high risks within set timeframes. For instance:

• Vulnerabilities with a CVE ID assigned prior to 2021 must be remediated within six months.
• Newer vulnerabilities, including those like the newly added CVE-2024-38094, generally require a shorter remediation window of two weeks.

While this directive directly impacts federal agencies, CISA strongly advises all organizations, regardless of their sector, to take similar proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Why All Organizations Should Pay Attention​

Even if you're not part of the federal government, being aware of threats like CVE-2024-38094 is vital for several reasons:

1. Heightened Risk: Malicious cyber actors don't take a vacation. Vulnerabilities are frequently exploited against businesses of all sizes, often leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and disruption of services.
2. Best Practices in Vulnerability Management: Organizations are encouraged to use the KEV catalog as part of their broader vulnerability management strategy. By prioritizing known exploited vulnerabilities, businesses can allocate their limited resources more effectively and respond to threats that have the potential for real-world impact sooner.
3. Active Exploitation Trends: The rapid pace of exploitation—42% of known exploited CVEs are utilized on the day of their disclosure—means that timely responses to vulnerabilities are non-negotiable. Simply having security measures in place is not enough; organizations need to be agile and responsive to vulnerabilities as they are identified.

How to Mitigate Risks Associated with CVE-2024-38094​

Recommendations for Windows Users​

• Update SharePoint: If you are using Microsoft SharePoint, immediately apply any available patches or updates from Microsoft related to this vulnerability.
• Implement Mitigation Measures: If for some reason updates cannot be applied quickly, consider alternative mitigation strategies such as isolating affected systems or employing firewalls to restrict access.
• Educate Employees: Ensure that your organization’s employees understand the significance of this vulnerability and the importance of updating systems regularly.

Key Actions for Organizations​

• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check for updates on the CISA KEV catalog to stay informed about newly identified vulnerabilities.
• Enhance Incident Response Procedures: Incorporating a rapid response plan for newly identified vulnerabilities can mitigate potential impacts significantly.
• Utilize Security Tools: Leverage automated tools that can integrate with CISA's catalog to flag or prioritize high-risk vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the addition of CVE-2024-38094 to the CISA catalog reaffirms the urgency with which all organizations must address vulnerabilities. By actively managing vulnerabilities through timely updates and remediation efforts, organizations can safeguard their critical assets and maintain a robust security posture.
Stay engaged with WindowsForum.com to keep abreast of news and updates concerning Windows security as well as best practices for managing vulnerabilities. Let us know in the comments how your organization plans to respond to this recent addition to the CISA KEV catalog!
Source: CISA CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog