CVE-2024-28986 SolarWinds Web Help Desk Deserialization of Untrusted Data

Exploited in the wild Critical 9.8 Published 13 Aug 2024 Updated 21 Oct 2025

An attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the host via Java deserialization in SolarWinds Web Help Desk, requiring authentication despite initial reports.

Exploited in the wild: Since 15 Aug 2024
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2024-28986?

CVE-2024-28986 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in SolarWinds Web Help Desk, published on 13 Aug 2024. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution vulnerability that, if exploited, would allow an attacker to run commands on the host machine.

While it was reported as an unauthenticated vulnerability, SolarWinds has been unable to reproduce it without authentication after thorough testing.

However, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend all Web Help Desk customers apply the patch, which is now available.

Weakness: CWE-502

Which versions are affected by CVE-2024-28986?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Solarwinds Web Help Desk.

How do I fix CVE-2024-28986?

No fix has been published for CVE-2024-28986 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 5 Sep 2024.

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

Is CVE-2024-28986 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2024-28986 in the wild since at least 15 Aug 2024.

Public exploit code: 1 Nuclei template.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-g536-h677-2w32.