CVE-2024-23535 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the web component of Ivanti Avalanche, a widely used endpoint management and patch deployment solution. The flaw exists in versions prior to 6.4.3 and allows a remote attacker who has authenticated access to the system to exploit improper validation of file paths. By manipulating input parameters, the attacker can traverse directories outside the intended scope and execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and has a CVSS v3.0 score of 8.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity, requiring only valid credentials and no user interaction. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where credential theft or reuse is common. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the potential for severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant. Ivanti Avalanche is often deployed in enterprise environments for managing large numbers of endpoints, making this vulnerability a critical concern for IT operations and security teams. The lack of a patch link in the provided data suggests that organizations should verify the availability of updates directly from Ivanti and apply them promptly. Additionally, monitoring for unusual command execution and restricting access to the web interface can reduce risk until patched.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-23535 can be severe. Ivanti Avalanche is commonly used in enterprise IT environments for endpoint management, software distribution, and patch management. Exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, disruption of IT operations, and lateral movement within networks. This can affect critical infrastructure, government agencies, financial institutions, and large enterprises that rely on Ivanti Avalanche for managing their IT assets. The requirement for authentication means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, which could be achieved through phishing, credential stuffing, or insider threats. Once exploited, the attacker could disable security controls, deploy ransomware, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's high severity and ease of exploitation post-authentication make it a significant risk, particularly in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements such as GDPR compliance. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential impact warrants immediate attention.

1. Immediately upgrade Ivanti Avalanche to version 6.4.3 or later, as this version addresses the path traversal vulnerability. 2. Restrict access to the Avalanche web interface using network segmentation, VPNs, or IP whitelisting to limit exposure to trusted users only. 3. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4. Regularly audit and monitor user activity and command execution logs for signs of suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts. 5. Implement strict credential management policies, including regular password changes and avoiding credential reuse across systems. 6. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on the Avalanche environment to identify any residual risks. 7. Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability and the importance of timely patching and access controls. 8. Coordinate with Ivanti support to confirm patch availability and receive guidance on secure configuration best practices. 9. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation scenarios involving Ivanti Avalanche. 10. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and respond to anomalous command execution activities.