Apache OFBiz Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Advisory (CVE-2024-32113)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTApache OFBiz versions prior to 18.12.13
Unauthenticated remote attackers can bypass security filters via path traversal, access internal APIs, and execute arbitrary system commands (RCE) on the target server.
Immediately upgrade Apache OFBiz to the official patched version 18.12.13 or later.
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
The recommended remediation is to upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 18.12.13 or higher. Use the following commands to download, build, and deploy the patched version.
# 1. Download and extract the patched version
wget https://archive.apache.org/dist/ofbiz/apache-ofbiz-18.12.13.zip
unzip apache-ofbiz-18.12.13.zip
cd apache-ofbiz-18.12.13
# 2. Build and run the application using Gradle
./gradlew cleanAll loadAll
./gradlew ofbiz2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, implement access controls on a reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx) or WAF to block malicious URI patterns and restrict access to sensitive endpoints.
# Add to your Nginx server block to block XML-RPC and path traversal attempts
server {
listen 80;
server_name your-ofbiz-domain.com;
# Block external access to the xmlrpc endpoint
location ~* /control/xmlrpc {
deny all;
return 403;
}
# Block URI bypass attempts using semicolons
if ($request_uri ~* ';') {
return 400;
}
}3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Scan your web server and application logs to detect potential exploitation attempts using the following commands.
# 1. Search access logs for xmlrpc calls and semicolon bypass patterns
grep -Ei 'xmlrpc|control.*(;)' /var/log/nginx/access.log /home/ofbiz/logs/access_log.*
# 2. Verify the currently running OFBiz version
grep -i 'version' build.gradle | head -n 5Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
Can't patch production immediately? Deploy managed WAF rules at the edge to intercept RCE, SQLi, and deserialization payloads before they hit your origin server.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2024-32113) is a critical Path Traversal (CWE-22) flaw in Apache OFBiz. The root cause lies in the improper validation of input URI paths within the framework's request handling and routing controllers. By crafting specific URI patterns containing semicolons or encoded directory traversal sequences, attackers can bypass internal servlet filters and security controls designed to restrict access to administrative endpoints.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An unauthenticated attacker targets the exposed Apache OFBiz web application. By sending a request to an endpoint like webtools/control/xmlrpc with a semicolon injected into the path (e.g., /webtools/control/xmlrpc;), the front-end security filters treat the request as a non-restricted resource and allow it to pass. However, the internal servlet container resolves the path to the actual administrative XML-RPC endpoint. This allows the attacker to interact with the XML-RPC interface directly and execute arbitrary Java code or system commands without authentication.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
With a CVSS score of 9.8 (Critical) and active exploitation confirmed by its inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog, this vulnerability poses an extreme risk. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full control over the host operating system, potentially leading to complete data breaches, ransomware deployment, and lateral movement within the enterprise network.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Apache OFBiz.This issue affects Apache OFBiz: before 18.12.13. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 18.12.13, which fixes the issue.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2024-32113)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2024-32113 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2024-32113 is rated CVSS 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 99.9%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2024-32113?
Primary impacted vendors include apache across ofbiz. Scope summary: All Apache OFBiz versions prior to 18.12.13
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2024-32113 before patching?
[Mitigation] Immediately upgrade Apache OFBiz to the official patched version 18.12.13 or later. Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2024-32113
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