CVE-2024-38856: Apache OFBiz Incorrect Authorization Vulnerability

Should you act?

Exploited: patch now if you run it

CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• Yes, if you run Apache OFBiz. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-08-27, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2024-09-17; treat that as the outer limit, not the target.
• EPSS 99.4%, percentile 99.9: FIRST’s model estimates a 99.4% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Needs an account (low (any account)). Exposure depends on who can log in.
• Editorial verdict: Act now. Apache OFBiz: Unauthenticated RCE (CVE-2024-38856) — Any internet-reachable OFBiz older than 18.12.16 should be treated as compromised-until-proven-otherwise and upgraded immediately; this bug class has been exploited repeatedly.

What it is

Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Apache OFBiz. This issue affects Apache OFBiz: through 18.12.14. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 18.12.15, which fixes the issue. Unauthenticated endpoints could allow execution of screen rendering code of screens if some preconditions are met (such as when the screen definitions don't explicitly check user's permissions because they rely on the configuration of their endpoints).

CISA’s summary

Apache OFBiz contains an incorrect authorization vulnerability that could allow remote code execution via a Groovy payload in the context of the OFBiz user process by an unauthenticated attacker.

Weakness type: CWE-863.

Product: Apache OFBiz · Assigned by: apache · Published: 2024-08-05

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: low
• Privileges required: low (any account)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: unchanged

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: added 2024-08-27; federal due date 2024-09-17. Known ransomware use: Unknown.
• CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable yes, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 99.43% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 99.9.

Timeline

• 2024-08-05 — CVE record published by apache
• 2024-08-05 — erroneo.us brief: Apache OFBiz: Unauthenticated RCE (CVE-2024-38856)
• 2024-08-27 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2024-09-17 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2025-10-21 — CVE record last updated

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. ofbiz.apache.org ofbiz.apache.org
2. lists.apache.org lists.apache.org

Vulnerability records

1. CVE.org record CVE-2024-38856 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2024-38856 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

Other references from the CVE record and advisory

1. ofbiz.apache.org ofbiz.apache.org
2. issues.apache.org issues.apache.org
3. openwall.com openwall.com

All exploited Apache vulnerabilities · Today’s Security Digest