ServiceNow recently addressed a critical input validation vulnerability (CVE-2024-5217) in its Now Platform, specifically affecting the Washington DC, Vancouver, and earlier releases. This flaw, found in the GlideExpression script, could allow an unauthenticated attacker to remotely execute code within the platform, posing significant security risks. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized system access and potentially severe data breaches. CISA added CVE-2024-5217 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog on July 29, 2024, indicating the importance of applying the fix.
The vulnerability’s exploitation relies on incomplete input validation in the GlideExpression script. Threat actors could leverage the vulnerability to gain control of vulnerable instances, bypassing security measures and potentially compromising sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions. ServiceNow customers who have not yet applied the necessary patches remain at risk and are advised to act quickly to safeguard their systems.
ServiceNow has released patches and hot fixes to address the issue as part of its June 2024 patch cycle. These updates are crucial for protecting both hosted and self-hosted environments from potential exploits. While ServiceNow has applied the fix to its hosted instances, customers managing their own environments must ensure they install the relevant patches to close this critical security gap.
Security experts recommend users prioritize the application of these patches. Delaying the update increases the likelihood of malicious exploitation, especially as proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits may be publicly available. Organizations are also encouraged to follow best practices for ongoing system security, including monitoring for any unusual activity that could indicate exploitation of CVE-2024-5217.
