SimpleHelp Path Traversal Vulnerability
SimpleHelp contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows admin users to upload arbitrary files anywhere on the file system by uploading a crafted zip file (i.e. zip slip). This can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the host in the context of the SimpleHelp server user.
Quick answer
SimpleHelp should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- Review vendor advisory for affected versions.
Fixed versions
- Apply the latest vendor-supported patched version.
How to fix it
CVE-2024-57728 affects SimpleHelp 5.5.7 and earlier and allows crafted ZIP uploads to write files outside the intended directory. In practice, this can become arbitrary code execution in the context of the SimpleHelp server process. Upgrade to SimpleHelp 5.5.8 or later, apply supported branch patches where appropriate, then audit uploaded files, server directories, and credentials because the host may have been modified.
- Locate every SimpleHelp server and confirm whether it is running 5.5.7 or earlier.
- Upgrade SimpleHelp 5.5 installations to 5.5.8 or later, or apply the official patch for supported 5.4.10 and 5.3.9 deployments.
- Restrict administrator access and file upload functionality to trusted networks until the patch is complete.
- Inspect the SimpleHelp installation directory, web root, plugins, startup scripts, and service account writable paths for unexpected files.
- Remove suspicious uploaded archives, web shells, scripts, scheduled tasks, and persistence artifacts.
- Reset SimpleHelp administrator and technician credentials and rotate secrets stored on the host.
- If arbitrary file writes are suspected, restore the server from a known-good backup and reapply the patched version before reconnecting it.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm the SimpleHelp server version is 5.5.8 or later, or the correct patched legacy branch.
- Attempt a controlled upload test in a staging environment and confirm archive paths cannot escape the intended directory.
- Verify no new or modified executable files remain in SimpleHelp, Tomcat, service, or startup locations.
- Review server logs for suspicious upload, extraction, and admin activity during the exposure window.
- Run a Fixnx scan and host integrity check before returning the service to normal exposure.
Related categories
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2024-57728?
SimpleHelp should be checked against the vendor advisory and trusted references linked on this page.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
Why can this risk appear in multiple categories?
A vulnerability can belong to more than one platform or ecosystem. Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page while also listing it in every relevant category.