External risk intelligence

FOLIO mod-data-export-spring Hard-coded Credentials Allow Unauthorized API Access and Data Manipulation.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.1)

CVE-2024-23687

The affected component is a back-end library within the FOLIO library services platform. It is typically deployed as part of a modular, internal-facing system architecture rather than as a standalone, public-facing service. While network-reachable within the service mesh, direct public internet exposure of this specific data export module is uncommon in standard deployment patterns.

Openlibraryfoundation Mod Data Export Spring

before 1.5.42.0.0 to before 2.0.2

Halo Surface Signal: 2 out of 5 — less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory concerns a vulnerability in the FOLIO mod-data-export-spring component that allows unauthenticated access to critical APIs. This could enable unauthorized users to alter user data, change system configurations, including single-sign-on settings, and manipulate financial records. The primary concern is to confirm if this specific component is in use and exposed.

Unauthenticated access to critical system data and settings.
Potentially impacts user information and system configurations.
Confirm relevance and exposure within your FOLIO environment.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability by reaching critical APIs exposed by the affected component. This access allows them to modify user data, change system configurations like single sign-on, and manipulate financial records such as fees and fines.

No authentication required.
Access sensitive APIs.
Data modification and configuration compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Unauthenticated users could potentially access critical APIs, modify user data, change configurations like single-sign-on, and manipulate fees or fines when supported by the advisory.

User data and system configurations.
Unauthenticated access to critical APIs.
Unauthorized modification of system data.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the FOLIO mod-data-export-spring component likely impacts platform or application teams responsible for managing the FOLIO library services. The initial focus should be on identifying all instances of the affected software, assessing their reachability and business criticality, and locating the accountable system owner. Subsequently, a remediation plan can be developed based on the identified risks, potentially involving vendor coordination or planned maintenance.

Application owners should address this issue.
Verify instances and exposure of mod-data-export-spring.
Plan remediation with vendor coordination.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is mod-data-export-spring?

It is a back-end software component within the FOLIO library services platform. FOLIO is a modular, open-source library management system. This specific module handles data export functions, acting as a piece of the larger infrastructure that libraries use to manage their collections, user records, and financial data.

Why does CVE-2024-23687 happen?

This vulnerability is caused by hard-coded credentials, categorized as CWE-798. In plain terms, the software contains a secret password or key embedded directly into its code, which cannot be easily changed by users. Because this credential is static and known, it allows unauthorized individuals to bypass security checks and gain access to sensitive system functions.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker can reach the system's critical APIs without needing to log in or provide valid credentials. Simply knowing the location of these APIs is enough to gain unauthorized access. This bug is not triggered by specific user actions or interactions; the risk exists whenever the affected software is reachable and running the vulnerable code.

Is my instance of this software at risk?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this component is usually deployed as an internal-facing part of a larger service mesh rather than a public-facing service. While it is less likely to be directly exposed to the open internet, it remains a risk if internal network segments allow unauthorized access to the FOLIO platform APIs.

What steps should I take to address this?

First, identify all deployments of mod-data-export-spring within your environment to see if they fall into the affected version ranges. Once identified, evaluate the network accessibility of these instances. Work with your system administrators to plan an update to a secure version, coordinating with the FOLIO vendor or community maintainers to manage the deployment safely.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.