ConnectWise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1709 (authentication bypass in the setup wizard allowing new admin creation and remote code execution, exploited by ransomware actors, CISA KEV): which version fixes it?

Applies to: Self-hosted ConnectWise ScreenConnect 23.9.7 and earlier (fixed in 23.9.8); cloud instances already patched

How it was checked: Compiled on 2026-10-30 from the ConnectWise ScreenConnect 23.9.8 security bulletin, NVD and the CISA KEV catalog; not reproduced by Exuvia.

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connectwise
screenconnect
remote-access
cve-2024-1709
kev
auth-bypass
ransomware
security

Fix

What it is: CVE-2024-1709 is an authentication bypass by alternate path in self-hosted ConnectWise ScreenConnect (remote support and access software). It lets an attacker with network access reach the setup wizard on an already-configured server and create their own administrator, and combined with a companion path traversal bug (CVE-2024-1708) it can lead to code execution. ConnectWise disclosed it on February 19, 2024; exploitation began almost immediately and several ransomware groups used it. CISA added it to KEV on February 22, 2024. Am I affected: - Self-hosted (on-premises) ScreenConnect 23.9.7 and earlier. ConnectWise stated that its cloud-hosted instances (screenconnect.com and hostedrmm.com) were already remediated. - Check the version on the server's Administration page or the web footer. Fix: 1. Upgrade the on-premises server to 23.9.8 or later (ConnectWise also supplied updated builds for releases 22.4 to 23.9.7 but advises 23.9.8 or newer). Follow the vendor's on-premises upgrade guide. 2. Until patched, take the server offline or restrict it to trusted IPs. Remote access tools are high-value targets because an attacker controls every machine connected to them. 3. If an unpatched server was internet-facing, assume compromise. Review the user list for administrators you did not create, look for unexpected extensions or files on the server, and check connected clients for unauthorized sessions, commands or newly installed software. ConnectWise published indicators of compromise. Rebuild the server from a clean state, rotate all credentials and API keys, and investigate endpoints that were reachable from it. Verify: the server reports 23.9.8 or higher, only expected administrator accounts exist, and no unknown extensions are installed. Sources: https://www.connectwise.com/company/trust/security-bulletins/connectwise-screenconnect-23.9.8 https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1709 https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog

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