CVE-2024-13163 is a deserialization vulnerability classified under CWE-502 found in Ivanti Endpoint Manager versions prior to the January 2025 security updates. Deserialization vulnerabilities occur when untrusted data is processed by an application’s deserialization mechanism, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate serialized objects to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the vulnerability allows a remote attacker to send crafted data that, when deserialized by the Ivanti Endpoint Manager, can lead to remote code execution (RCE). Although the attacker does not require authentication, local user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit, which may involve a user opening a malicious file or interacting with a compromised interface. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with vector metrics showing low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported yet. The vulnerability highlights the risks of insecure deserialization in enterprise endpoint management software, which often operates with elevated privileges and broad network access.

Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-13163 can lead to complete system compromise of machines running vulnerable versions of Ivanti Endpoint Manager. This includes unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, modification or deletion of critical files, and disruption of endpoint management services. Given Ivanti Endpoint Manager’s role in managing and securing enterprise endpoints, attackers gaining control could pivot within networks, deploy malware, or disable security controls, significantly increasing organizational risk. The requirement for local user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially in environments with less security awareness. The vulnerability could be leveraged in advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns or ransomware attacks. Organizations relying heavily on Ivanti Endpoint Manager for endpoint security and patch management are at heightened risk of operational disruption and data breaches.

Organizations should immediately apply the January 2025 security updates released by Ivanti to remediate this vulnerability. Until patches are applied, restrict access to Ivanti Endpoint Manager interfaces and services to trusted users and networks only. Implement strict input validation and monitoring to detect anomalous deserialization attempts. Educate users to avoid interacting with suspicious files or links that could trigger the exploit. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting unusual process behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the impact of local user interaction requirements. Network segmentation can help contain potential compromises. Regularly audit and monitor logs for signs of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to endpoint management compromises.