CVE-2024-43591

What it actually does

The flaw permits an attacker to escalate privileges via the Azure CLI integration, bypassing intended access controls to perform actions with higher permissions than authorized.

Why it matters to the business

Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized control over cloud resources, data exposure or modification, and operational disruption across environments with 1,267 downstream dependents; low EPSS and non-KEV status indicate limited observed in-the-wild use but high CVSS warrants prompt attention.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with limited access to an affected Azure CLI setup crafts malicious inputs or commands that exploit the integration flaw to obtain elevated privileges, potentially chaining to broader Azure resource access without requiring additional authentication bypasses.

How to fix it

Upgrade azure/azure-cli to commit a0acfb32a5966fac72f54d25639ebc5fbd53a509; for org.springframework.security:spring-security-core upgrade to version 5.1.2. Verify all installations use patched versions and test CLI integrations post-update.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm deployment of the fixed commit or version 5.1.2, re-test privilege boundaries in Azure CLI workflows, and scan dependency manifests to ensure no vulnerable versions remain in the ecosystem.

Typical attack path

1. Identify target systems using vulnerable Azure CLI versions
2. Craft and deliver malicious CLI commands or integration payloads
3. Trigger the privilege escalation path in the Azure Command Line Integration
4. Execute higher-privileged operations on Azure resources
5. Establish persistence or exfiltrate data using elevated context

How to detect it

Review Azure CLI audit logs and command history for anomalous privilege changes or unexpected high-privilege operations; correlate with authentication events to identify potential post-exploitation activity.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching Azure CLI to the specified commit within standard change windows given the 9.1 CVSS
• Audit all dependent projects (1,267 downstream) for the vulnerable component
• Monitor EPSS trend for any future increase and review KEV status updates
• Implement least-privilege policies for CLI service principals as defense-in-depth