CVE-2024-24997 is a Path Traversal vulnerability identified in the web component of Ivanti Avalanche, a widely used endpoint management and software distribution platform. The flaw exists in versions before 6.4.3 and allows a remote attacker who has authenticated access to the web interface to manipulate file paths improperly. This manipulation enables the attacker to traverse directories outside the intended scope, ultimately allowing arbitrary command execution with SYSTEM-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). The CVSS v3.0 base score is 8.8, reflecting a high severity due to network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges (low), no user interaction, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although exploitation requires authentication, the low privilege level needed and the lack of user interaction make this vulnerability particularly dangerous. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for full system compromise is significant. Ivanti Avalanche is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for managing endpoints, software updates, and configurations, making this vulnerability a critical risk for organizations relying on it for IT operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-24997 could be severe. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level control over affected Ivanti Avalanche servers, potentially leading to complete compromise of the management infrastructure. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of endpoint management processes, and the ability to deploy malicious payloads across the network. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications that depend on Ivanti Avalanche for centralized management could face operational disruptions and data breaches. The vulnerability's exploitation could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. Given the high level of privilege gained, attackers could disable security controls, exfiltrate data, or cause denial of service, severely impacting business continuity and regulatory compliance within the European Union and other European countries.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately upgrade Ivanti Avalanche to version 6.4.3 or later where the issue is resolved. Until patching is complete, restrict access to the Avalanche web interface by implementing network segmentation, IP whitelisting, and strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure that only necessary personnel have access to the management console. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual file path requests or command execution attempts indicative of exploitation attempts. Employ application-layer firewalls or web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block path traversal patterns. Additionally, conduct internal penetration testing and vulnerability scanning focused on the Avalanche infrastructure to identify any signs of compromise or residual vulnerabilities. Establish an incident response plan specific to Ivanti Avalanche to quickly contain and remediate any exploitation.