What is Check Point CVE-2024-24919?
CVE-2024-24919 is an information disclosure vulnerability that could enable an attacker to access sensitive information on internet-connected Gateways configured with IPSec VPN, remote access VPN, or mobile access software blades. Check Point's advisory notes that this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild, with attacks primarily targeting devices set up with local accounts that use password-only authentication.
Using password-only authentication is discouraged due to the risk of brute-force attacks, which can exploit weak passwords. Check Point recommends against using local accounts where possible and recommends implementing added layers of authentication if they are necessary. A hotfix is available to address this issue.
Significance of CVE-2024-24919
On May 28, 2024, Check Point issued a zero-day advisory for CVE-2024-24919, which has a CVSS score of 8.6. According to the advisory, this vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive information and obtain domain privileges. The vulnerability could enable an attacker to access specific information on internet-connected Gateways that have remote access VPN or mobile access features enabled.
CVE-2024-24919 is a serious security issue affecting Check Point Security Gateways that are set up with remote access VPN or mobile access features. This flaw lets attackers access sensitive information from devices connected to the internet, which can seriously compromise network security. Since this vulnerability has been actively exploited, it's crucial to take immediate steps to protect against it.
Mitigating the Risks with FortiWeb
To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-24919, organizations should prioritize applying the security patches provided by Check Point. These patches are specifically designed to address the information disclosure vulnerability, effectively closing the security gap and keeping the integrity of affected gateways. Applying these patches is crucial for directly fixing the flaw and ensuring the ongoing security of your systems.
In addition to patching, deploying a comprehensive web application firewall (WAF) like FortiWeb adds an essential layer of protection. FortiWeb enhances security by using its signature-based detection system to block exploitation attempts, especially in situations where immediate patch deployment might not be possible.
FortiWeb’s signature-based detection system provides a proactive defense by using predefined patterns of attack vectors associated with specific vulnerabilities, including CVE-2024-24919. This system is equipped to recognize and intercept traffic designed to exploit the vulnerability. By comparing incoming traffic against a robust database of threat signatures, FortiWeb can effectively identify and prevent suspicious activities from reaching vulnerable systems.
This approach is particularly valuable when patches are not yet applied. FortiWeb’s proactive measures help to block attempts to exploit the vulnerability, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining network security. The system continuously checks and filters potentially harmful traffic, which mitigates the risk of data breaches and helps keep network integrity even before a patch is available.
While applying the security patches from Check Point is essential for directly addressing CVE-2024-24919, FortiWeb's signature-based detection system serves as a crucial complementary defense. It provides early detection and mitigation of exploitation attempts, ensuring that organizations can protect their networks and sensitive information while awaiting a formal fix.
Conclusion
Addressing CVE-2024-24919 is essential for keeping the security of Check Point Security Gateways, especially those configured with IPSec VPN, remote access VPN, or mobile access features. This critical vulnerability, which has been actively exploited, poses significant risks by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially granting domain privileges. Immediate action is needed to mitigate these risks.
Organizations should prioritize the application of Check Point’s security patches, which are designed to close information disclosure flaws and safeguard affected systems. In parallel, deploying FortiWeb offers an added layer of protection for enterprise applications. FortiWeb's signature-based detection system proactively blocks exploitation tries by finding and intercepting malicious traffic, thus providing crucial defense while waiting for patches to be applied.
By combining prompt patching with FortiWeb’s proactive security measures, organizations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-24919. This dual approach ensures robust protection of sensitive data and network integrity, safeguarding against exploitation tries and maintaining overall security posture.
