CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-4978Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Justice AV Solutions (JAVS) Viewer Installer Embedded Malicious Code

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-4978 is a high-severity embedded malicious code vulnerability in Viewer from Justice AV Solutions, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Viewer versions: 8.3.7.250. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on May 29, 2024, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Viewer you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Justice AV SolutionsViewer8.3.7.250Not stated
Javsviewer8.3.7.250Not stated
JavsJavs Viewer8.3.7.250Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.7HighCNA
CVSS 3.18.4HighCNA
CVSS 3.18.4HighNVD

Official description

Justice AV Solutions Viewer Setup 8.3.7.250-1 contains a malicious binary when executed and is signed with an unexpected authenticode signature. A remote, privileged threat actor may exploit this vulnerability to execute of unauthorized PowerShell commands.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Embedded Malicious Code

The product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Remove the malicious code and start an effort to ensure that no more malicious code exists. This may require a detailed review of all code, as it is possible to hide a serious attack in only one or two lines of code. These lines may be located almost anywhere in an application and may have been intentionally obfuscated by the attacker.

More Embedded Malicious Code vulnerabilities (CWE-506)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  4. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Recent Embedded Malicious Code vulnerabilities

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