CVE-2024-4879
ServiceNow Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2024-4879 is a critical input validation vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform affecting the Vancouver and Washington DC releases, with the Utah release also listed in CISA's KEV catalog. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to remotely execute code within the Now Platform context by exploiting insufficient input validation. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) and an EPSS score of 0.94349 (100.0th percentile), this is one of the most actively exploited vulnerabilities in the current threat landscape. CISA has listed it in the KEV catalog with a remediation deadline of August 19, 2024.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorCWEs
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| servicenow | servicenow | utah; vancouver; washington_dc |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB1644293(Permissions Required)
- https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB1645154(Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/patchnow-servicenow-critical-rce-bugs-active-exploit(Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-4879(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
Input Validation Vulnerability Enabling Remote Code Execution
CVE-2024-4879 is caused by improper input validation in the ServiceNow Now Platform. The platform fails to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input in certain request parameters, enabling an attacker to craft malicious requests that bypass security controls and achieve code execution. This class of vulnerability occurs when an application processes externally supplied data without verifying that it conforms to expected constraints, allowing an attacker to inject executable content that the platform processes as trusted code. The impact is particularly severe because ServiceNow instances process sensitive enterprise data and manage critical business workflows.
Impact Analysis
Full Platform Takeover is the direct consequence of exploiting CVE-2024-4879. ServiceNow is one of the most widely deployed enterprise platforms globally, managing IT operations, security workflows, HR processes, and customer service across thousands of organizations. Code execution within the platform grants an attacker comprehensive access to all managed data and processes.
Confidentiality Impact is maximum (C:H). Exploitation exposes all data within the ServiceNow instance, including service tickets with sensitive technical details, CMDB entries documenting the organization's entire IT infrastructure, employee records, security incident logs, and potentially stored credentials. Organizations that have customized their ServiceNow deployment to manage additional business processes face even broader data exposure.
Integrity Impact is maximum (I:H). An attacker can modify any data or configuration within the platform, including workflow definitions, access control rules, approval chains, and audit logs. This allows for persistent backdoor creation within business processes, manipulation of change management workflows, and alteration of security policies. The attacker could also use the platform's integration capabilities to pivot to connected systems.
Availability Impact is maximum (A:H). Service disruption through exploitation can paralyze IT operations, as many organizations rely on ServiceNow for incident management, problem resolution, and service delivery. Destruction or encryption of platform data would have cascading effects across all dependent business functions.
Exploitation Context: The EPSS score of 0.94349 (100.0th percentile) represents the maximum exploitation probability bracket, indicating this vulnerability is among the most aggressively targeted. CISA lists the ransomware association as "Unknown," though the enterprise access provided through exploitation makes it a prime target for financially motivated threat actors.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2024-4879 is confirmed as actively exploited in the wild, as documented by its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog with a remediation deadline of August 19, 2024. The EPSS score of 0.94349 at the 100.0th percentile represents the highest exploitation probability tier, confirming widespread active targeting.
Widespread Exploitation Campaigns: Dark Reading reported extensively on active exploitation of ServiceNow critical RCE bugs, with CVE-2024-4879 prominently featured. Security researchers observed mass scanning and exploitation attempts targeting internet-facing ServiceNow instances globally.
Chained Exploitation: CVE-2024-4879 is frequently exploited alongside CVE-2024-5217 (another ServiceNow RCE) as part of attack chains targeting ServiceNow environments. The combination of these vulnerabilities increases the likelihood of successful exploitation against environments that may have partially patched.
Vendor Response: ServiceNow applied updates to hosted instances proactively and released patches through KB1645154 for self-hosted and partner deployments. The vendor also provided indicators of compromise and detection guidance.
Ransomware Association: CISA lists the ransomware status as "Unknown." The broad enterprise access, sensitive data stores, and integration capabilities of ServiceNow make compromised instances extremely valuable for ransomware deployment, data extortion, and lateral movement across organizational networks.
Remediation
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Apply the ServiceNow security patches immediately by following the guidance in KB1645154. For hosted instances, ServiceNow has deployed updates automatically. Self-hosted customers must download and apply the corresponding hot fixes for their Vancouver, Washington DC, or Utah release. Validate successful patch installation through the platform's system diagnostics.
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Patch all ServiceNow instances comprehensively including development, test, UAT, and production environments. Non-production instances frequently have weaker security controls and may contain copies of production data, making them attractive targets. Ensure every instance across the organization has received the June 2024 security update.
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Conduct forensic analysis for indicators of compromise by reviewing ServiceNow system logs, transaction logs, and audit trails for suspicious activity. Examine records for unexpected remote code execution patterns, unauthorized administrative actions, creation of new accounts or roles, modified access controls, and unusual data export activity that might indicate prior exploitation.
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Deploy web application firewall rules to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2024-4879. Configure WAF rules to inspect incoming requests for malicious payloads characteristic of this vulnerability. Restrict access to ServiceNow instances from known corporate networks and VPN endpoints where operationally feasible.
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Strengthen ServiceNow security posture by implementing defense-in-depth measures. Enable comprehensive audit logging, integrate with centralized SIEM, configure alerting for anomalous behavior, review and tighten access control lists, disable unnecessary platform features and integrations, and establish a regular patching cadence for all ServiceNow releases.
Technical Details
CVE-2024-4879 is a critical input validation vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform enabling unauthenticated remote code execution across the Vancouver and Washington DC releases.
CVSS Vector Breakdown: The vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H produces a base score of 9.8. Network-based attack vector (AV:N) enables remote exploitation. Low attack complexity (AC:L) indicates no specialized conditions are required. No privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N) are needed, confirming fully unauthenticated exploitation. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and maximum impact across all three dimensions (C:H/I:H/A:H) reflects complete platform compromise.
Vulnerability Mechanism: The Now Platform contains input processing logic that insufficiently validates certain request parameters. An attacker can submit specially crafted input that the platform processes without adequate sanitization, resulting in code execution within the application context. The executed code runs with the platform's permissions, granting access to all data, configurations, and connected integrations. This vulnerability is distinct from but related to CVE-2024-5217, which targets a similar input validation weakness in different platform endpoints.
Attack Surface Considerations: ServiceNow instances are designed to be internet-accessible to serve distributed workforces, partners, and customer self-service portals. This inherent exposure makes the vulnerability's attack surface particularly broad. Automated exploitation tools can scan the internet for ServiceNow instances and attempt exploitation at scale, with the unauthenticated nature eliminating any credential barrier.
Release Impact: While initially identified in Vancouver and Washington DC releases, CISA's KEV listing extends the affected scope to include the Utah release. ServiceNow's KB1644293 provides additional context on affected configurations. This broad release impact means organizations across multiple ServiceNow version generations were potentially exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2024-4879?
CVE-2024-4879 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform caused by insufficient input validation. It allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected ServiceNow instances running the Vancouver, Washington DC, or Utah releases without requiring any credentials or user interaction.
How does CVE-2024-4879 differ from CVE-2024-5217?
Both vulnerabilities are critical input validation flaws in the ServiceNow Now Platform that enable unauthenticated remote code execution. They affect overlapping release versions and were both addressed in the June 2024 patching cycle. The vulnerabilities target different platform endpoints but have the same impact. Organizations should ensure patches for both CVEs are applied.
What is the EPSS score for CVE-2024-4879 and what does it mean?
The EPSS score is 0.94349, placing it at the 100.0th percentile. This means the vulnerability has a higher exploitation probability than virtually every other known vulnerability. In practical terms, if your ServiceNow instance is unpatched and internet-accessible, exploitation is nearly certain.
Were hosted ServiceNow instances automatically patched?
Yes, ServiceNow applied security updates to hosted instances proactively. However, self-hosted deployments and partner-managed instances require manual patch application following the guidance in ServiceNow KB1645154. Organizations should verify patch status regardless of hosting model to confirm protection.
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