SimpleHelp Missing Authorization
CVE-2024-57726 is a critical-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Simplehelp from Simple-help, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.9 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 5.5.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating Simplehelp to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on April 24, 2026, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Simplehelp to 5.5.8 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple-help | Simplehelp | before 5.5.8 | 5.5.8 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
SimpleHelp remote support software v5.5.7 and before has a vulnerability that allows low-privileges technicians to create API keys with excessive permissions. These API keys can be used to escalate privileges to the server admin role.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Authorization
The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Divide the product into anonymous, normal, privileged, and administrative areas. Reduce the attack surface by carefully mapping roles with data and functionality. Use role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce the roles at the appropriate boundaries. Note that this approach may not protect against horizontal authorization, i.e., it will not protect a user from attacking others with the same role.
- Ensure that access control checks are performed related to the business logic. These checks may be different than the access control checks that are applied to more generic resources such as files, connections, processes, memory, and database records. For example, a database may restrict access for medical records to a specific database user, but each record might only be intended to be accessible to the patient and the patient's doctor.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using authorization frameworks such as the JAAS Authorization Framework and the OWASP ESAPI Access Control feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- horizon3.ai/attack-research/disclosures/critical-vulnerabilities-in-simplehelp-remote-support-software/Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-57726US Government Resource
- trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/ransomware-spotlight/ransomware-spotlight-dragonforceThird Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Simplehelp
- 7.2 High severity
SimpleHelp Path Traversal Exploited
- 7.5 High severity
SimpleHelp Path Traversal Exploited
Recent Missing Authorization vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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