Cleo LexiCom, VLTransfer, Harmony RCE actively exploited
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Active exploitation of unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Cleo file-transfer products allows remote code execution; patch versions through 5.8.0.21 remain exploitable.
A critical unrestricted file upload and download vulnerability affecting Cleo's LexiCom, VLTransfer, and Harmony file-transfer management software allows unauthenticated attackers to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability (CVE-2024-50623) is being actively exploited in the wild, with Huntress observing threat actors performing post-exploitation activities. Notably, even fully patched systems running version 5.8.0.21 remain vulnerable, indicating either the patch is incomplete or attacks are ongoing against that version level.
Successful exploitation grants code execution in the security context of the Cleo service, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, exfiltrate data, or modify systems depending on service privilege levels. Organizations running these internet-facing applications are at immediate risk. CIS recommends immediately moving exposed Cleo instances behind a firewall, applying any available patches from Cleo after testing, and implementing network segmentation to isolate critical systems. The vulnerability exploits initial-access vectors via public-facing applications.
Mentioned in this report
Detection guidance
Cleo File Transfer Software Spawning Command Interpreter
Cleo LexiCom, VLTrader or Harmony, or their bundled Java runtime, spawning a shell or script interpreter, consistent with post-exploitation code execution after exploiting CVE-2024-50623. Auto-generated starting point — validate and tune in your environment before deploying. IOC matches can false-positive on shared infrastructure and decay as adversary infrastructure rotates.
title: Cleo File Transfer Software Spawning Command Interpreter
description: Detects Cleo LexiCom, VLTrader or Harmony processes, or the Java runtime
bundled in a Cleo install directory, spawning cmd, PowerShell or other script and
LOLBin interpreters. Successful exploitation of the unrestricted file upload/download
flaw (CVE-2024-50623) gives code execution in the context of the Cleo service, which
usually shows up as this parent/child relation.
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.t1190
- attack.execution
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_parent_cleo:
ParentImage|endswith:
- \LexiCom.exe
- \VLTrader.exe
- \Harmony.exe
selection_parent_java:
ParentImage|endswith:
- \java.exe
- \javaw.exe
ParentImage|contains: Cleo
selection_parent_java_cmdline:
ParentImage|endswith:
- \java.exe
- \javaw.exe
ParentCommandLine|contains:
- Cleo
- LexiCom
- VLTrader
- Harmony
selection_child:
Image|endswith:
- \cmd.exe
- \powershell.exe
- \pwsh.exe
- \wscript.exe
- \cscript.exe
- \mshta.exe
- \certutil.exe
- \bitsadmin.exe
- \rundll32.exe
- \regsvr32.exe
condition: 1 of selection_parent_* and selection_child
falsepositives:
- Administrators running custom Cleo post-processing scripts or batch actions that
invoke cmd.exe
- Cleo installer or updater helper scripts launched during upgrades
level: high
id: a703b63e-fcb6-5236-aca2-49c2e0b5b23d
status: experimental
author: Vorant
references:
- https://www.cisecurity.org/advisory/a-vulnerability-in-multiple-cleo-products-could-allow-for-remote-code-execution_2024-139
Cleo Service Spawning Encoded or Download-Capable PowerShell
PowerShell with encoded or download-cradle arguments launched under a Cleo process, indicating post-exploitation of the Cleo file transfer RCE. Auto-generated starting point — validate and tune in your environment before deploying. IOC matches can false-positive on shared infrastructure and decay as adversary infrastructure rotates.
title: Cleo Service Spawning Encoded or Download-Capable PowerShell
description: Detects PowerShell launched by a Cleo product process or its bundled
Java runtime with encoded commands or download cradle arguments, a common follow-on
to unauthenticated RCE against internet-facing Cleo servers.
tags:
- attack.initial-access
- attack.t1190
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.001
logsource:
category: process_creation
product: windows
detection:
selection_parent:
- ParentImage|endswith:
- \LexiCom.exe
- \VLTrader.exe
- \Harmony.exe
- ParentImage|contains: Cleo
- ParentCommandLine|contains: Cleo
selection_child:
Image|endswith:
- \powershell.exe
- \pwsh.exe
selection_args:
CommandLine|contains:
- ' -enc'
- ' -e '
- FromBase64String
- DownloadString
- DownloadFile
- Invoke-WebRequest
- 'iwr '
- Net.WebClient
- IEX
condition: selection_parent and selection_child and selection_args
falsepositives:
- Custom Cleo automation scripts that legitimately download files with PowerShell
level: high
id: 79d348b2-5d00-539c-a0f7-36e12fd2a208
status: experimental
author: Vorant
references:
- https://www.cisecurity.org/advisory/a-vulnerability-in-multiple-cleo-products-could-allow-for-remote-code-execution_2024-139
Behavioural rules are generated from public reporting — validate in your environment before deploying.
Source reporting: https://www.cisecurity.org/advisory/a-vulnerability-in-multiple-cleo-products-could-allow-for-remote-code-execution_2024-139
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