CVE-2024-36472 is a medium-severity vulnerability that affects GNOME Shell versions up to 45.7. This vulnerability allows a portal helper to be launched automatically without user confirmation based on network responses from an adversary controlling the local Wi-Fi network. It subsequently loads untrusted JavaScript code, which may lead to resource consumption or other impacts depending on the behavior of the JavaScript code.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, indicating a medium level of severity. Given its nature, it poses a considerable risk to organizations that utilize GNOME Shell in their environments. The potential for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability makes it crucial for defenders to address it promptly.
As of now, there are no known public exploits available. However, organizations should remain vigilant and implement appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks. The urgency is moderate; thus, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their patch cycle.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized execution of JavaScript, leading to resource consumption and possible degradation of system performance. Given the attack vector is adjacent network, users should also be aware of the risks associated with untrusted networks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
In GNOME Shell through 45.7, a portal helper can be launched automatically (without user confirmation) based on network responses provided by an adversary (e.g., an adversary who controls the local Wi-Fi network), and subsequently loads untrusted JavaScript code, which may lead to resource consumption or other impacts depending on the JavaScript code's behavior.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5, categorized as medium severity, reflecting the potential impact on availability with high availability impact and no confidentiality or integrity impact.
The attack vector is categorized as adjacent network, with low attack complexity, requiring no privileges and no user interaction.
The vulnerability was published on May 28, 2024, and has been classified under CWE-346.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-36472 lies in the automatic launching of a portal helper through network responses from an adversary. This behavior allows untrusted JavaScript code to be executed without user consent, which can lead to various impacts depending on the code's nature. The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, meaning an attacker must be on the same local network as the target to exploit this vulnerability.
Given the low attack complexity and lack of required privileges or user interaction, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. The potential impacts can range from resource consumption to denial of service, emphasizing the need for organizations to mitigate this risk.
Risk & Impact Analysis
In a real-world scenario, the deployment of this vulnerability could lead to a substantial operational impact. Attackers may leverage the ability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code, leading to resource exhaustion or other undesirable states for systems running GNOME Shell. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized execution of code and potential downtime, affecting business continuity.
With an availability impact rated as high, organizations must consider the potential blast radius. The urgency for organizations to address this is moderate, given that while there are currently no known exploits, the conditions for exploitation are present.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of GNOME Shell prior to 45.8 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to update to the latest version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching GNOME Shell to version 45.8 or later to resolve this vulnerability. In the absence of a patch, consider implementing network controls to limit exposure to untrusted networks. Organizations may also want to review their configurations to ensure that only trusted networks are used.
For further guidance on securing your systems, organizations can refer to best practices for penetration testing and security assessments.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized script execution. Behavioral anomalies associated with unexpected resource consumption should also be noted. Network signatures indicating the presence of untrusted connections can provide additional insights into attempted exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-36472 represents a critical point of concern for organizations leveraging GNOME Shell. The vulnerability highlights ongoing risks associated with network-based attacks and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate such risks. Security teams should ensure that they have robust monitoring systems in place to detect anomalies that may indicate exploitation.
For further insights on securing your systems, organizations can refer to the following resources: vulnerability management programs, penetration testing methodology, and API security testing strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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