CVE-2024-57727: 
SimpleHelp vulnerability analysis and mitigation

SimpleHelp remote support software version 5.5.7 and earlier contains multiple path traversal vulnerabilities identified as CVE-2024-57727. The vulnerability was discovered in January 2025 and affects all SimpleHelp server installations prior to versions 5.5.8, 5.4.10, and 5.3.9. This critical security flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to download arbitrary files from the SimpleHelp host through crafted HTTP requests, including server configuration files containing various secrets and hashed user passwords (Horizon3 Research, SimpleHelp KB).

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating network accessibility, low attack complexity, and no required privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through path traversal techniques (NVD).

The vulnerability's impact is severe, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve server configuration files containing sensitive information such as technician account details, password hashes, LDAP credentials, OIDC client secrets, API keys, and TOTP seeds used for MFA. This exposure could lead to unauthorized access to the SimpleHelp server and subsequently to all connected client machines (SimpleHelp KB, Horizon3 Research).

SimpleHelp has released patched versions to address these vulnerabilities. Organizations are strongly advised to upgrade to version 5.5.8 or apply patches for versions 5.4.10 or 5.3.9. Additional recommended mitigation steps include changing administrator and technician account passwords, restricting IP addresses for technician and administrator logins, rotating API tokens, and implementing server event alerts for suspicious activities. For organizations where SimpleHelp client software isn't actively used, immediate uninstallation is recommended (SimpleHelp KB).

The vulnerability has gained significant attention in the cybersecurity community, particularly due to its addition to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. CISA has set a remediation date of March 6, 2025, requiring federal agencies to apply vendor patches or discontinue product use if mitigations are unavailable (NVD).