CVE-2024-55580 is a remote command execution vulnerability identified in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows versions prior to the November 2024 IR release. The flaw allows unprivileged users who have network access to the affected system to execute arbitrary commands remotely. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation or unsafe handling of user-supplied data, classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code). Exploitation could lead to severe consequences including high availability damage, and compromise of data confidentiality and integrity. The attack complexity is high, requiring some user interaction, but no privileges are needed to initiate the attack. The vulnerability has been addressed in a series of patches starting from February 2023 Patch 15 through to November 2024 IR, indicating a long-standing issue with multiple fixes over time. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, reflecting the significant risk posed by this vulnerability. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for damage in enterprise environments is substantial given Qlik Sense’s role in data analytics and business intelligence.

The exploitation of CVE-2024-55580 can have severe impacts on organizations worldwide that use Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows. Successful remote command execution by unprivileged users could lead to system downtime, disrupting critical business intelligence and analytics operations, thus affecting availability. Confidentiality risks arise from unauthorized access to sensitive data processed or stored by Qlik Sense, potentially leading to data breaches. Integrity risks include unauthorized modification or deletion of data and system configurations, undermining trust in business insights and decision-making processes. The vulnerability’s network accessibility and lack of privilege requirements broaden the attack surface, increasing risk especially in environments with exposed or poorly segmented networks. Organizations relying heavily on Qlik Sense for operational or strategic decisions could face significant operational, reputational, and compliance consequences if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-55580, organizations should immediately apply the latest patches provided by Qlik, specifically the November 2024 IR or any of the earlier patches from February 2023 onward that address this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be enforced to restrict access to Qlik Sense Enterprise servers, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on network traffic to detect and block suspicious activities targeting Qlik Sense services. Employ application-layer firewalls or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with signatures tuned to detect exploitation attempts related to remote command execution. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on Qlik Sense deployments to identify potential misconfigurations or residual vulnerabilities. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted content or links that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. Finally, maintain comprehensive logging and alerting to enable rapid detection and response to any exploitation attempts.