CVE-2024-5217
ServiceNow Incomplete List of Disallowed Inputs Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2024-5217 is a critical input validation vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform affecting the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah releases. This flaw enables an unauthenticated user to remotely execute code within the context of the Now Platform by exploiting insufficient input validation controls. 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), the vulnerability represents the highest severity classification. It has been added to CISA's KEV catalog with a remediation deadline of August 19, 2024, and carries an EPSS score of 0.94108 (99.9th percentile), confirming near-universal exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected 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=KB1648313(Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/patchnow-servicenow-critical-rce-bugs-active-exploit(Press/Media Coverage)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-5217(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
Input Validation Vulnerability Leading to Remote Code Execution
CVE-2024-5217 arises from improper input validation in the ServiceNow Now Platform. The platform fails to adequately validate user-supplied input in certain endpoints, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the application context. Input validation weaknesses occur when software does not properly verify that input conforms to expected formats, types, or ranges before processing it. In ServiceNow's case, the insufficient validation allows specially crafted requests to bypass security controls and achieve code execution, effectively granting the attacker control over the platform's processing environment.
Impact Analysis
Enterprise Platform Compromise is the core business risk of CVE-2024-5217. ServiceNow is a widely adopted IT Service Management (ITSM) and enterprise workflow platform used by thousands of organizations globally. Successful exploitation provides an attacker with code execution capabilities within the platform, potentially exposing vast amounts of sensitive business data and operational workflows.
Confidentiality Impact is maximum (C:H). Remote code execution on a ServiceNow instance grants access to all data stored within the platform, including IT service tickets containing sensitive technical information, employee records, change management documentation, security incident details, and configuration management database (CMDB) entries. Many organizations store credentials, network diagrams, and security procedures within ServiceNow, making this a treasure trove for attackers.
Integrity Impact is maximum (I:H). An attacker with code execution capabilities can modify workflow definitions, alter approval processes, change configuration items in the CMDB, manipulate incident records, and inject malicious scripts into the platform. This could enable the attacker to establish persistent backdoors within ServiceNow workflows or manipulate business processes for financial gain.
Availability Impact is maximum (A:H). The attacker can disrupt critical IT operations by modifying or deleting workflows, corrupting data, or overwhelming the platform's resources. Since many organizations depend on ServiceNow for incident management, change control, and service delivery, disruption can cascade across the entire IT organization.
Exploitation Context: The EPSS score of 0.94108 (99.9th percentile) places this among the most actively targeted vulnerabilities. CISA's KEV listing emphasizes the urgency of remediation. The ransomware association is listed as "Unknown," but the level of access gained and the sensitive data available on ServiceNow instances make this extremely attractive to threat actors.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2024-5217 is confirmed as actively exploited in the wild, as evidenced by its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog with a remediation deadline of August 19, 2024. The EPSS score of 0.94108 (99.9th percentile) indicates that it is one of the most actively exploited vulnerabilities tracked.
Active Exploitation Campaign: Dark Reading reported on the active exploitation of critical ServiceNow RCE vulnerabilities, including CVE-2024-5217. Multiple threat actors have been observed scanning for and exploiting vulnerable ServiceNow instances.
Vendor Response: ServiceNow addressed this vulnerability during the June 2024 patching cycle and published guidance through their knowledge base article KB1648313. ServiceNow applied updates to hosted instances and released patches for self-hosted and partner deployments.
Unauthenticated Access: The most concerning aspect of this vulnerability is that it requires no authentication. Any attacker who can reach a ServiceNow instance over the network can attempt exploitation, and many ServiceNow instances are internet-facing by design. This significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation.
Ransomware Association: CISA lists the ransomware status as "Unknown." However, the combination of unauthenticated access, code execution, and the sensitive nature of data stored in ServiceNow makes this a high-value target for both ransomware operators and espionage-focused threat actors.
Remediation
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Apply ServiceNow patches immediately by following the guidance in KB1648313. For hosted instances, ServiceNow has applied updates automatically. For self-hosted deployments, download and apply the appropriate hot fixes for your release (Washington DC, Vancouver, or Utah). Verify patch application through the ServiceNow instance system diagnostics.
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Verify patch status across all instances including development, test, staging, and production environments. Attackers often target non-production instances that may be overlooked during patching cycles. Confirm that every ServiceNow instance in your organization has received the appropriate security update.
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Review access logs for indicators of compromise by examining ServiceNow system logs, transaction logs, and security event data for suspicious activity. Look for unexpected code execution patterns, unusual API calls from unknown IP addresses, newly created administrator accounts, or modified security configurations that could indicate prior exploitation.
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Implement network-level access controls to restrict access to ServiceNow instances. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) to inspect and filter incoming requests for exploitation attempts. Where possible, restrict access to known corporate IP ranges and VPN endpoints rather than allowing unrestricted internet access.
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Enable enhanced security monitoring on ServiceNow instances by configuring security event logging, integrating with your SIEM solution, and establishing alerts for anomalous activity patterns such as unexpected code execution, bulk data access, or administrative actions from unusual sources.
Technical Details
CVE-2024-5217 is a critical input validation vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform that enables unauthenticated remote code execution across the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah 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 yields a base score of 9.8. The network attack vector (AV:N) confirms remote exploitability. Low attack complexity (AC:L) means no special conditions are required. No privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N) are needed, making this fully unauthenticated. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and all impact metrics are high (C:H/I:H/A:H), reflecting complete platform compromise.
Vulnerability Mechanism: The Now Platform contains endpoints that accept user input without sufficient validation. An attacker can craft malicious requests that pass through the insufficient input validation controls, allowing the injection of executable code into the platform's processing pipeline. The injected code executes within the context of the Now Platform, inheriting the platform's permissions and access to all data and functionality.
Attack Surface: ServiceNow instances are frequently internet-facing to support remote employees, partners, and customer self-service portals. This broad exposure means that the vulnerability's attack surface is extensive, and automated scanners can rapidly identify vulnerable instances. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit eliminates the need for credential acquisition as a prerequisite.
Platform Scope: The vulnerability affects three major release lines: Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah (which is also referenced in KB1644293). This broad scope means that the majority of ServiceNow deployments were potentially vulnerable prior to the June 2024 patches. Organizations that delayed patching or maintained older unsupported versions face heightened risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2024-5217?
CVE-2024-5217 is a critical input validation vulnerability in the ServiceNow Now Platform that allows an unauthenticated attacker to remotely execute code. It affects the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah releases and was addressed during the June 2024 patching cycle.
Is my ServiceNow instance affected by CVE-2024-5217?
If your instance runs the Washington DC, Vancouver, or Utah release and has not been patched with the June 2024 security updates, it is vulnerable. Hosted instances were patched automatically by ServiceNow, but self-hosted deployments require manual patch application. Check ServiceNow KB1648313 for specific version and patch details.
Is CVE-2024-5217 being exploited in the wild?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Multiple security researchers and media outlets, including Dark Reading, have reported on active exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable ServiceNow instances. The EPSS score of 0.94108 (99.9th percentile) confirms extremely high exploitation activity.
What data is at risk if my ServiceNow instance is compromised?
ServiceNow platforms typically contain IT service tickets, employee data, CMDB entries, security incident details, change management records, and often credentials and configuration information. An attacker with code execution access can read, modify, or exfiltrate all of this data. The impact extends beyond data theft to include potential manipulation of critical IT workflows and business processes.
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