Detect ConnectWise ScreenConnect Path Traversal (CVE-2024-1708) in Splunk
Detects exploitation of CVE-2024-1708, a path traversal vulnerability in ConnectWise ScreenConnect versions prior to 23.9.8. Attackers can traverse outside the intended directory to read, write, or execute arbitrary files on the host. This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and listed on CISA KEV. It is commonly chained with CVE-2024-1709 (authentication bypass) to achieve unauthenticated remote code execution.
MITRE ATT&CK
SPL Detection Query
index=windows (source="WinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational" OR source="XmlWinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational")
| eval parent_proc=lower(ParentImage), child_proc=lower(Image), cmdline=lower(CommandLine)
| where (parent_proc LIKE "%screenconnect%")
AND (child_proc LIKE "%cmd.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%powershell.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%wscript.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%cscript.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%mshta.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%certutil.exe" OR child_proc LIKE "%curl.exe")
| eval traversal_indicator=if(like(cmdline,"%..\..\.."%") OR like(cmdline,"%../%"),1,0)
| stats count, values(cmdline) as CommandLines, values(child_proc) as ChildProcesses, dc(host) as HostCount by parent_proc, user, earliest(_time), latest(_time)
| where count > 0
| eval risk_score=case(traversal_indicator=1, 95, HostCount > 3, 85, true(), 70)
| sort -risk_scoreDetects ScreenConnect parent processes spawning suspicious child processes consistent with CVE-2024-1708 path traversal exploitation leading to arbitrary command execution.
Data Sources
Required Sourcetypes
False Positives & Tuning
- Legitimate remote support sessions where admins execute scripts via ScreenConnect
- Help desk workflows that automate commands through ScreenConnect
- Penetration testing or security assessments using ScreenConnect as a remote tool
Other platforms for CVE-2024-1708
Testing Methodology
Validate this detection against 3 adversary techniques from Atomic Red Team. Each test below lists the behaviour to exercise and the telemetry you should expect to see. Executable commands and cleanup steps are available with Pro.
- Test 1Simulate Path Traversal File Read via ScreenConnect Web Interface
Expected signal: HTTP 200 or 500 response logged in IIS access logs with traversal sequence in URI; network traffic from test host to ScreenConnect port 8040.
- Test 2ScreenConnect Child Process Spawn Simulation (Sysmon)
Expected signal: Sysmon Event ID 1 with Image: cmd.exe and ParentImage set to ScreenConnect service path (in actual exploitation scenario); Event ID 11 for file creation.
- Test 3Post-Exploitation Download Cradle via ScreenConnect Session
Expected signal: Sysmon Event ID 1 (PowerShell spawned from ScreenConnect parent), Event ID 3 (network connection to LAB_C2_HOST), Event ID 7 (System.Net.WebClient DLL load).
Unlock Pro Content
Get the full detection package for CVE-2024-1708 including response playbook, investigation guide, and atomic red team tests.