CVE-2024-51464 is a vulnerability identified in IBM i operating system versions 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5, specifically targeting the Navigator for i web interface. The issue arises from an authentication bypass vulnerability classified under CWE-288, which allows an attacker who has valid credentials to circumvent interface restrictions by sending specially crafted requests. This bypass enables the attacker to remotely perform operations that the authenticated user would normally be restricted from executing through Navigator for i. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability but impacts integrity by allowing unauthorized changes or actions within the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting the requirement for low privileges (authenticated user), no user interaction, and network attack vector. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported, but the vulnerability’s presence in widely used IBM i versions makes it a concern. The root cause is an alternate path or channel that bypasses the intended authentication controls, allowing privilege escalation within the Navigator for i interface. Since Navigator for i is a critical management tool for IBM i systems, this vulnerability could be leveraged to perform unauthorized administrative or operational tasks remotely. The absence of patches at the time of reporting necessitates interim mitigations and monitoring. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment once available and review access controls to minimize exposure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-51464 primarily concerns the integrity of IBM i system operations managed via Navigator for i. Unauthorized operations could lead to improper configuration changes, data manipulation, or disruption of business processes dependent on IBM i systems. While confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, integrity violations can result in compliance issues, operational disruptions, and potential financial losses. Sectors such as finance, manufacturing, utilities, and government agencies that rely heavily on IBM i platforms for critical workloads are at heightened risk. The vulnerability’s exploitation could facilitate insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who have obtained valid credentials, increasing the risk of broader compromise. Given the centralized role of Navigator for i in system management, unauthorized actions could cascade into systemic issues affecting multiple services. European organizations with remote access to IBM i systems are particularly vulnerable if network segmentation and access controls are insufficient. The medium severity rating underscores the need for timely remediation to prevent escalation of impact.

1. Monitor IBM’s official security advisories closely and apply patches or updates for IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 as soon as they are released to address CVE-2024-51464. 2. Restrict access to the Navigator for i interface using network segmentation, firewall rules, and VPNs to limit exposure to trusted users and networks only. 3. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and consider multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing Navigator for i to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4. Implement detailed logging and continuous monitoring of Navigator for i activities to detect anomalous or unauthorized operations indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and Navigator for i configurations to ensure least privilege principles are maintained. 6. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of credential misuse and the importance of secure access practices. 7. Temporarily disable or limit Navigator for i functionality if feasible until patches are applied, especially in high-risk environments. 8. Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect suspicious crafted requests targeting Navigator for i endpoints. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and operational hygiene specific to the IBM i Navigator environment.