ConnectWise ScreenConnect Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

[ Why it matters ]Priority signals

• Exploited in the wild: on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list since 2024-02-22
• Known to be used in ransomware campaigns
• EPSS: 100% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (higher than 100% of CVEs)
• Critical severity: CVSS 10.0

[ Description ]Official description

ConnectWise ScreenConnect 23.9.7 and prior are affected by an Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability, which may allow an attacker direct access to confidential information or critical systems.

CISA: ConnectWise ScreenConnect contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows an attacker with network access to the management interface to create a new, administrator-level account on affected devices.

[ Fixes ]Fixes and patches

CISA required action (US federal deadline 29 Feb 2024): Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

• Patch on github.comVendor patch or bulletin · NVD · Reference tagged 'Patch' by NVD

[ References ]References

• github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/pull/18870Issue TrackingPatchThird Party Advisory
• github.com/watchtowrlabs/connectwise-screenconnect_auth-bypass-add-user-pocExploitThird Party Advisory
• techcrunch.com/2024/02/21/researchers-warn-high-risk-connectwise-flaw-under-attack-is-e…Press/Media CoverageThird Party Advisory
• www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/connectwise-urges-screenconnect-admins-to-patch-…Press/Media CoverageThird Party Advisory
• www.connectwise.com/company/trust/security-bulletins/connectwise-screenconnect-23.9.8Vendor Advisory
• www.horizon3.ai/attack-research/red-team/connectwise-screenconnect-auth-bypass-deep-diveThird Party Advisory
• www.huntress.com/blog/a-catastrophe-for-control-understanding-the-screenconnect-authent…ExploitThird Party Advisory
• www.huntress.com/blog/detection-guidance-for-connectwise-cwe-288-2ExploitThird Party Advisory
• www.huntress.com/blog/vulnerability-reproduced-immediately-patch-screenconnect-23-9-8Third Party Advisory
• www.securityweek.com/connectwise-confirms-screenconnect-flaw-under-active-exploitationPress/Media CoverageThird Party Advisory
• www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogUS Government Resource