Apache OFBiz Update Fixes High-Severity Flaw Leading to Remote Code Execution

Apache OFBiz before 18.12.13 contains a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in which improper limitation of a pathname allows access to restricted directories outside the intended scope. Per the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), the flaw can be triggered remotely by an unauthenticated attacker with no user interaction. Successful exploitation has high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability: an attacker can reach files and directories that should be restricted, and the critical 9.8 score indicates potential full compromise of the affected server. Any organization running an affected version of the open-source Apache OFBiz ERP/enterprise automation suite is exposed. The flaw is being actively exploited: CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-08-07, and EPSS assigns a 99.4% probability of exploitation within 30 days (100th percentile), amid a wave of critical OFBiz flaws patched in 2024.

Do: Upgrade all Apache OFBiz instances to version 18.12.13 or later immediately, per the vendor fix and CISA KEV required action. Because the flaw is under active exploitation, prioritize any OFBiz servers exposed to the internet, hunt for signs of compromise on unpatched systems, and restrict network access to OFBiz until patched.

Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Apache OFBiz. This issue affects Apache OFBiz: before 18.12.14. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 18.12.14, which fixes the issue.

CVE-2024-38856 is an incorrect authorization flaw (CWE-863) in Apache OFBiz, an open-source ERP and e-commerce platform, affecting all versions through 18.12.14. On deployments where screen definitions do not explicitly verify a user's permissions because they rely on the configuration of the endpoints serving them, unauthenticated endpoints can be made to execute the screens' rendering code. As coverage of the fix describes, this can be leveraged for unauthenticated (pre-auth) remote code execution on the OFBiz server, consistent with the critical 9.8 CVSS score. Any organization running Apache OFBiz 18.12.14 or earlier, especially with the OFBiz web interface exposed to the internet, is affected. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: CISA added the flaw to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-08-27 amid active exploitation reports, and EPSS estimates a 99.4% probability of exploitation within 30 days.

Do: Upgrade all Apache OFBiz servers to version 18.12.15 or later immediately; the KEV listing requires applying vendor mitigations or discontinuing use within the required deadline, and newer OFBiz releases also address additional 2024 flaws (e.g., CVE-2024-45195), so updating to the latest available version is prudent. Inventory internet-facing OFBiz deployments and restrict unauthenticated access to OFBiz web endpoints where possible. Hunt for signs of exploitation (unexpected screen/view rendering requests to unauthenticated endpoints and follow-on activity on OFBiz hosts), since the flaw is being actively exploited.

Apache OFBiz, the open-source ERP and e-commerce framework from the Apache Software Foundation, is affected by a forced browsing vulnerability (CWE-425), meaning the application fails to properly verify a requester's authorization for certain restricted resources. A remote attacker triggers the flaw by directly requesting protected URLs or endpoints (navigating straight to them rather than through the intended application flow), thereby bypassing access-control checks. Successful exploitation grants the attacker unauthorized access to the affected OFBiz instance, as described by CISA; the available data does not detail what specific functionality or data is exposed. Any organization running Apache OFBiz, particularly internet-facing deployments, is affected, though no specific version range is listed in the available data. The flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-02-04, indicating confirmed exploitation in the wild, and EPSS assigns it an approximately 100% probability of exploitation within 30 days (top percentile); no public proof-of-concept is known.

Do: Apply the mitigations specified in CISA's required action and per Apache's advisory, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable; upgrade to the fixed OFBiz release identified in the vendor advisory. Check OFBiz access logs for direct, unauthenticated requests to restricted URLs, especially around and after the 2025-02-04 KEV listing, and restrict internet exposure of OFBiz front-ends and administrative screens.