CVE-2024-8808 is an OS command injection vulnerability identified in Cohesive Networks VNS3, specifically in version 6.2.3-20240417. The vulnerability exists in the web service component that listens by default on TCP port 8000. The root cause is the improper neutralization of special characters in user-supplied input before it is passed to system calls, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject arbitrary OS commands. Because the system call executes with root privileges, successful exploitation results in remote code execution with full administrative rights. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. Exploitation requires valid authentication credentials but does not require further user interaction, making it easier for attackers who have gained access to valid accounts. The vulnerability was assigned CVE-2024-8808 and has a CVSS v3.0 score of 8.8, reflecting its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the potential for severe damage is significant given the root-level code execution capability. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under identifier ZDI-CAN-24177. No official patches or updates are linked yet, so mitigation strategies are critical to reduce exposure.

The impact of CVE-2024-8808 is severe for organizations using Cohesive Networks VNS3, especially those relying on it for network virtualization and secure overlay networking. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root, leading to full system compromise. This can result in data theft, manipulation, destruction, or disruption of network services. The confidentiality of sensitive data managed or routed through VNS3 can be compromised, integrity of network configurations and traffic can be altered, and availability of network services can be disrupted or denied. Given the root-level access, attackers could also use the compromised system as a pivot point to infiltrate deeper into organizational networks. The requirement for authentication limits exploitation to insiders or attackers who have obtained credentials, but the lack of need for user interaction increases the risk once credentials are compromised. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to critical infrastructure, cloud service providers, and enterprises that depend on VNS3 for secure network overlays.

To mitigate CVE-2024-8808, organizations should first check for and apply any official patches or updates released by Cohesive Networks as soon as they become available. In the absence of patches, restrict access to the VNS3 management interface by implementing strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit TCP port 8000 exposure only to trusted administrators. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Regularly audit and monitor authentication logs for suspicious access patterns. Employ input validation and sanitization at the application layer if custom integrations or scripts interact with VNS3. Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect anomalous command injection attempts. Additionally, conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on the VNS3 environment to identify and remediate potential exploitation paths. Educate administrators on the risks of credential sharing and phishing attacks that could lead to unauthorized access.