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NVD / CVE Program· CNA GitHub_M

CVE-2024-36401: Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in evaluating property name expressions in Geoserver

Noroxi assessment

Priority: Now (action score 99/100)

  • CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild (Jul 15, 2024). Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: Aug 5, 2024.
  • A ready-made attack module is public (Metasploit, Nuclei); exploiting it takes no special expertise.
  • Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days: 99.8% (FIRST EPSS); higher than 99.9% of all records.
  • Anyone who can reach it over the internet can trigger it. No account or password is required. No user action is required. No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
  • According to CISA the attack is automatable: targets can be found by mass scanning.
  • Fixed version: org.geoserver:gs-wfs (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2; org.geoserver:gs-wms (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2; org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2.

Patch today or shut off access. Upgrade to org.geoserver:gs-wfs (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2; org.geoserver:gs-wms (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2; org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app (Maven) 2.23.6, 2.24.4, 2.25.2 or later.

Generated automatically from the record's data: CVSS (NVD and CNA), CISA KEV and SSVC, FIRST EPSS, exploit sources, fixed versions. How we calculate it

Primary sources: NVD · CVE.org · CISA KEV · FIRST EPSS

GeoServer is an open source server that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Prior to versions 2.22.6, 2.23.6, 2.24.4, and 2.25.2, multiple OGC request parameters allow Remote Code Execution (RCE) by unauthenticated users through specially crafted input against a default GeoServer installation due to unsafely evaluating property names as XPath expressions. The GeoTools library API that GeoServer calls evaluates property/attribute names for feature types in a way that unsafely passes them to the commons-jxpath library which can execute arbitrary code when evaluating XPath expressions. This XPath evaluation is intended to be used only by complex feature types (i.e., Application Schema data stores) but is incorrectly being applied to simple feature types as well which makes this vulnerability apply to **ALL** GeoServer instances. No public PoC is provided but this vulnerability has been confirmed to be exploitable through WFS GetFeature, WFS GetPropertyValue, WMS GetMap, WMS GetFeatureInfo, WMS GetLegendGraphic and WPS Execute requests. This vulnerability can lead to executing arbitrary code. Versions 2.22.6, 2.23.6, 2.24.4, and 2.25.2 contain a patch for the issue. A workaround exists by removing the `gt-complex-x.y.jar` file from the GeoServer where `x.y` is the GeoTools version (e.g., `gt-complex-31.1.jar` if running GeoServer 2.25.1). This will remove the vulnerable code from GeoServer but may break some GeoServer functionality or prevent GeoServer from deploying if the gt-complex module is needed.

CriticalCVSS 9.8 · v3.1KEVWeaponized Fix available
Published
Jul 1, 2024
Updated
Jun 17, 2026
EPSS
99.8% · 99th percentile

Report tools

JSON

Action score

99

Now

Patch today or shut off access.

CVSS
39 / 40 · 9.8 / 10
CISA KEV
30 / 30 · Listed
EPSS
30 / 30 · 99.8%

CISA SSVC decision

Exploitation
active
Automatable
yes
Technical impact
total

Vulnrichment: CISA's decision-tree inputs.

CNA vs NVD score

NVD
9.8
CNA · GitHub_M
9.8
agree

The score given by the assigning authority versus NVD’s independent score. A gap means the severity is contested.

Actively exploited in the wild

CISA added this to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jul 15, 2024. That signals real attacks, not theory.

Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: Aug 5, 2024.

Get told when this record changes

  • In CISA KEV: exploitation in the wild confirmed
  • Weaponized exploit exists
  • A fix has been released

If any of these changes, we'll tell you in the daily email digest.

Follow CVE-2024-36401

When you'll hear from us

  • when it enters CISA KEV
  • when exploit code appears or is weaponized
  • when the record is updated (including a fixed version)
  • when EPSS rises 20 points in a week

One daily email digest (06:00 UTC); connect a webhook for KEV listings and weaponized exploits instantly.

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Noroxi analysis

What does it mean in your environment?

The assessment above is generated automatically from the record's data; it doesn't know your environment. Our team verifies on your systems whether this vulnerability is actually exploitable and which mitigation is enough.

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Affected systems

Is your version affected?

Pick the product and type the version you run. It's compared with this record's version ranges in your browser; the version isn't sent anywhere.

VendorProduct
geoservergeoserver
geotoolsgeotools

Affected versions

NVD version ranges (for catalog products). Add the product to your stack with a version and matching uses these.

  • geoserver geoserverbefore 2.22.6
  • geoserver geoserver2.23.0 and later · before 2.23.6
  • geoserver geoserver2.24.0 and later · before 2.24.4
  • geoserver geoserver2.25.0 and later · before 2.25.2
  • geotools geotoolsbefore 29.6
  • geotools geotools30.1 and later · before 30.4
  • geotools geotools31.1 and later · before 31.2
  • geotools geotools30.0
  • geotools geotools31.0

Versions reported by the vendor

Affected version ranges reported by the assigning authority (GitHub_M). Independent of NVD's CPE analysis and usually ahead of it.

  • geoserver geoserver

    • >= 2.23.0, < 2.23.6, >= 2.24.0, < 2.24.4, >= 2.25.0, < 2.25.2, < 2.22.6affected

Package-level exposure

OSV and GitHub Advisory data: ecosystem, package and range. SBOM matching uses this table.

EcosystemPackageAffected rangeFix
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wfsfrom 2.23.0 · before 2.23.62.23.6
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wfsfrom 2.24.0 · before 2.24.42.24.4
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wfsfrom 2.25.0 · before 2.25.22.25.2
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wfsbefore 2.22.62.22.6
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wmsfrom 2.23.0 · before 2.23.62.23.6
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wmsfrom 2.24.0 · before 2.24.42.24.4
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wmsfrom 2.25.0 · before 2.25.22.25.2
Mavenorg.geoserver:gs-wmsbefore 2.22.62.22.6
Mavenorg.geoserver.web:gs-web-appfrom 2.23.0 · before 2.23.62.23.6
Mavenorg.geoserver.web:gs-web-appfrom 2.24.0 · before 2.24.42.24.4
Mavenorg.geoserver.web:gs-web-appfrom 2.25.0 · before 2.25.22.25.2
Mavenorg.geoserver.web:gs-web-appbefore 2.22.62.22.6
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-app-schemafrom 29.0 · before 29.629.6
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-app-schemafrom 30.0 · before 30.430.4
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-app-schemafrom 31.0 · before 31.231.2
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-app-schemabefore 28.628.6
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-complexfrom 29.0 · before 29.629.6
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-complexfrom 30.0 · before 30.430.4
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-complexfrom 31.0 · before 31.231.2
Mavenorg.geotools:gt-complexbefore 28.628.6
Mavenorg.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-corefrom 29.0 · before 29.629.6
Mavenorg.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-corefrom 30.0 · before 30.430.4
Mavenorg.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-corefrom 31.0 · before 31.231.2
Mavenorg.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-corebefore 28.628.6

Same product

geoserver: all records

Other highest-scoring records for the same primary product.

  • CVE-2025-58360GeoServer is vulnerable to an Unauthenticated XML External Entities (XXE) attack via WMS GetMap featureKEV
    87Now
  • CVE-2023-35042GeoServer 2, in some configurations, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via java.lang.Runtime.getRuntime().exec in wps:Litera
    52Plan
  • CVE-2024-24749Classpath resource disclosure in GWC Web Resource API on Windows / Tomcat
    30Monitor

Published before and after this one in the same product

  • ← EarlierCVE-2024-23821Mar 20, 2024 · GeoServer's GWC Demos Page vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
    19Monitor
  • ← EarlierCVE-2024-34696Jul 1, 2024 · GeoServer's Server Status shows sensitive environmental variables and Java properties
    19Monitor
  • Later →CVE-2025-21621Nov 25, 2025 · GeoServer Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WMS GetFeatureInfo HTML format
    24Monitor

Remediation

Which version to upgrade to

Fix versions compiled from the vendor, package registries and Microsoft. Verify the vendor's note before upgrading.

Product / packageFixed versionSource
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wfs2.22.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wfs2.23.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wfs2.24.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wfs2.25.2Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wms2.22.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wms2.23.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wms2.24.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver:gs-wms2.25.2Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app2.22.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app2.23.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app2.24.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app2.25.2Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-app-schema28.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-app-schema29.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-app-schema30.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-app-schema31.2Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-complex28.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-complex29.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-complex30.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools:gt-complex31.2Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-core28.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-core29.6Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-core30.4Package registry (OSV)
Maven:org.geotools.xsd:gt-xsd-core31.2Package registry (OSV)

Exploit status

Weaponized

A ready exploit tool or active in-the-wild use is known for this vulnerability. This should be your top priority.

Evidence

  • Metasploit module ×1
  • Nuclei detection template ×1
  • Proof-of-concept repository on GitHub ×23

Noroxi does not host or link to exploit code. Metasploit module names and Nuclei template ids are shown (names, not code); Exploit-DB entries and PoC repositories are given as counts only.

Public exploit evidence
SourceKindDate
Metasploit moduleexploit/multi/http/geoserver_unauth_rce_cve_2024_36401Geoserver unauthenticated Remote Code Executionexploit2024-07-01
Nuclei detection templateNuclei template CVE-2024-36401 —
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:352024-07-04
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:42024-07-05
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:12024-07-05
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:562024-07-06
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:02024-07-12
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:452024-07-17
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:892024-07-30
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:02024-08-01
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:42024-08-27
Proof-of-concept repository on GitHubstars:32024-09-13

Research context

For pentesters and researchers: attack profile, score disagreement, timeline, patch commits, credits, variant and chain candidates, bug bounty scope. All derived from existing data; no exploit code.

Timeline

From publication to today: proof of concept, Metasploit module, CISA KEV and fix record. Dates are as reported by the sources.

  1. Metasploit-1 d
  2. Published
  3. First PoC+2 d
  4. CISA KEV+13 d
  5. TodayNov 11, 2026+863 d

No history yet (it accumulates with the daily EPSS job).

Patch and commit links

Commit, PR and diff links among the references. A starting point for patch-diffing and variant hunting; fixes, not exploits.

Credits

All researchers

Finders, reporters and analysts named in the CNA record. Click a name for that researcher’s other records.

No credits in the CNA record.

Variant candidates

Same product, same weakness class, within 18 months. If the patch missed the root cause, the sibling bug is here.

No nightly-computed relations.

Chain candidates

An authentication bypass and a privilege-requiring bug in the same product, published close together: combined they may become an unauthenticated path.

—

Bug bounty scope

No known public program.

Source: bounty-targets-data (public HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Intigriti, YesWeHack listings).

Technical details

Attack conditions

  • Anyone who can reach it over the internet can trigger it.
  • No account or password is required.
  • No user action is required.
  • No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.

If successful

Confidentiality
high · data can be read
Integrity
high · data or configuration can be modified
Availability
high · the service can be disrupted
Attack vector
Network
Attack complexity
Low
Privileges required
None
User interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality impact
High
Integrity impact
High
Availability impact
High

Weakness class (CWE)

CWE-95 · Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code ('Eval Injection')

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

nvd-primary

Attack context

MITRE CAPEC attack patterns and ATT&CK techniques for this weakness class (CWE). A starting point for detection rules and threat hunting.

Change log

  1. Fix✗ → ✓

For records you follow, these changes also arrive as notifications. →

References

Show all references (3 more)

Vendor advisories and official records. Exploit/PoC links are deliberately left out.

All records