CVE-2024-38462 identifies a critical vulnerability in the Integrated Rule-Oriented Data System (iRODS) prior to version 4.3.2. The vulnerability stems from the msiSendMail function, which depends on invoking an external mail binary to send emails. The problematic aspect lies in the unsafe handling of this external dependency, specifically in the mailMS.cpp source code between lines 94 and 106. This unsafe dependency can lead to an attacker controlling or substituting the mail binary or its path, resulting in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-426, which relates to unsafe search path or element loading, meaning the system may execute unintended binaries if the environment is manipulated. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects a critical severity with network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impacts on confidentiality (C:H), integrity (I:H), and availability (A:H). This indicates that an unauthenticated attacker can remotely exploit this vulnerability to fully compromise the affected system. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it highly exploitable. The lack of patch links suggests that a fixed version (4.3.2 or later) is available but users must upgrade proactively. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to environments relying on iRODS for data management, especially where email notifications are automated via msiSendMail.

The impact of CVE-2024-38462 is severe for organizations using vulnerable iRODS versions. Exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication or user interaction. This threatens the confidentiality of sensitive data managed by iRODS, the integrity of data and system configurations, and the availability of critical data services. Given iRODS’s role in managing large-scale data repositories, especially in research institutions, government agencies, and enterprises, exploitation could disrupt critical workflows, lead to data breaches, and cause significant operational downtime. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation and critical impact make it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain footholds in high-value environments. Additionally, the reliance on an external mail binary means that attackers could leverage this vector to pivot further into internal networks or escalate privileges.

To mitigate CVE-2024-38462, organizations should immediately upgrade iRODS to version 4.3.2 or later where the vulnerability is addressed. Until patching is possible, restrict the execution environment of the mail binary by enforcing strict path controls and permissions to prevent unauthorized replacement or manipulation. Implement application whitelisting to ensure only trusted binaries are executed. Monitor system and application logs for unusual activity related to mail sending functions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should limit exposure of iRODS servers to untrusted networks. Conduct regular audits of the environment to detect any unauthorized changes to binaries or environment variables influencing the mail binary path. Educate administrators about the risks of unsafe external dependencies and encourage secure coding practices for custom extensions or scripts interacting with iRODS. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation.