CVE-2024-4978 Justice AV Solutions Viewer: hidden backdoor
In plain words: The software was shipped with hidden malicious code inside it. Whoever planted it has secret access to every copy.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 19, 2024
What to do
- Install Justice AV Solutions's security update for Viewer. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Justice AV Solutions (JAVS) Viewer Installer Embedded Malicious Code Vulnerability
- Product
- Justice AV Solutions Viewer
- CISA description
- Justice AV Solutions (JAVS) Viewer installer contains a malicious version of ffmpeg.exe, named fffmpeg.exe (SHA256: 421a4ad2615941b177b6ec4ab5e239c14e62af2ab07c6df1741e2a62223223c4). When run, this creates a backdoor connection to a malicious C2 server.
- Type of flaw
- Hidden backdoor (CWE-506)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 29, 2024
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 19, 2024
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Answering about CVE-2024-4978 ·
Questions about CVE-2024-4978
Is CVE-2024-4978 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2024-4978 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 29, 2024, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2024-4978?
Install Justice AV Solutions's security update for Viewer. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2024-4978?
Only if you use Justice AV Solutions Viewer. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.