SysAid, which is a vendor for IT management software, has published a critical warning regarding an unpatched bug in its on-site service software version in November 6th, 2023. Recently uncovered as SANS vulnerability id CVE-2023-47246, this is vulnerability has already become exploitable in the wild. To start with, Microsoft identified and disclosed this vulnerability, attributing it to ransomware gang TA505 commonly known as Lace Tempest or cl0p.
Lace Tempest, which is known for distributing the Cl0p ransomware, has in the past leveraged zero-day flaws in MOVEit Transfer and PaperCut servers.
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CVE-2023-47246 in details
This is an example of a path traversal vulnerability leading to code execution in SysAid’s on-premises software, identified as CVE-2023-47246. For instance, it offers attackers an opportunity to create a WAR file webshell and other forms of payload that are executed in the SysAid Apache Tomcat webserver. A notable indication of the breach is the presence of a webshell in the directory C: \Program Files\SysAidServer\tomcat\webapps\usersfiles.
“After exploiting the vulnerability, Lace Tempest issued commands via the SysAid software to deliver a malware loader for the Gracewire malware,” Microsoft.
According to SysAid, the threat actor has been observed uploading a WAR archive containing a web shell and other payloads into the webroot of the SysAid Tomcat web service.
Decoding CVE-2023-47246 and its impact in the wild of the zero-day vulnerability
- CVSS (rescored) 5.5
- CTI – 0.4 (low use)
- Impact – High (ransomware)
- EPSS – 0.000460000 (very low)
- Exploit Available / Used for ransomware
Shdan distribution
The distribution in Shodan is relatively small 869 servers with a variation between 230 instances that are accessible on the public internet and 900 with those two queries SysAId and SysAid Help desk
Currently, there are no indicators of exploitation in mass for this vulnerability so the risk level remains moderate,; as this vulnerability is used for ransomware attacks is suggested to patch
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The popularity of the vulnerability has decreased since the publication on the 11 and the initial advisory.
Feedly CVE analysis
The vulnerability is critical as it opens a web shell and back door for further exploitation.
The web shell, besides providing the threat actor with backdoor access to the compromised host, is used to deliver a PowerShell script that’s designed to execute a loader that, in turn, loads Gracewire.
Also deployed by the attackers is a second PowerShell script that’s used to erase evidence of the exploitation after the malicious payloads have been deployed. Furthermore, the attack chains are characterised by the use of the MeshCentral Agent as well as PowerShell to download and run Cobalt Strike, a legitimate post-exploitation framework.
“As of June 2023, the Silent Ransom Group (SRG), also called Luna Moth, conducted callback phishing data theft and extortion attacks by sending victims a phone number in a phishing attempt, usually relating to pending charges on the victims’ account,” FBI said.
Fixes for CVE-2023-47246:
SysAid’s response, a patch in version 23.3.36, is a critical first step. However, the responsibility doesn’t end there. Organizations must ensure they are updated to this latest version to mitigate the risk. Huntress, for its part, has updated its security platform to detect activities related to this exploit, offering an extra layer of defense.
Indicators of Compromise CVE-2023-47246
| Path | SHA256 Hash |
| C:\Program Files\SysAidServer\tomcat\webapps\usersfiles\user.exe | b5acf14cdac40be590318dee95425d0746e85b1b7b1cbd14da66f21f2522bf4d |
| C:\Program Files\SysAidServer\tomcat\webapps\usersfiles.war | 5ac0a6c76160772acd8a0de0705362fcdc325138eeadfe3d8d40e4bf2212a146 |
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Other Useful resources
Data Visualization of vulnerabilities in the wild
- CISA KEV: https://phoenix.security/what-is-cisa-kev-main/
- Exploit in the wild: https://phoenix.security/what-is-exploitability/
- OWASP/Appsec Vulnerability: https://phoenix.security/what-is-owasp-main/
- CWE/Appsec Vulnerabilities: https://phoenix.security/what-is-cwe-main/
