CVE-2022-36978 Deserialization in Avalanche

Critical 9.8 Published 29 Mar 2023 Updated 18 Feb 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on Ivanti Avalanche by exploiting a deserialization flaw in the Notification Server, bypassing authentication.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-36978?

CVE-2022-36978 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in Ivanti Avalanche, published on 29 Mar 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Ivanti Avalanche 6.3.2.3490. Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanism can be bypassed. The specific flaw exists within the Notification Server service. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in deserialization of untrusted data. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-15448.

Weakness: CWE-502

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-36978?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Ivanti Avalanche.

How do I fix CVE-2022-36978?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-36978 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and only deserialise data from trusted sources or with an allow-list of types. More about Unsafe deserialization.

Is CVE-2022-36978 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-36978 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Ivanti Avalanche vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-cjvg-rm6v-pgjg.