How Hackers Are Exploiting SysAid Software Vulnerabilities to Break into IT Systems

How Hackers Are Exploiting SysAid Software Vulnerabilities to Break into IT Systems

Security researchers have discovered that attackers are actively targeting weaknesses in a popular IT service management platform called SysAid. These weaknesses, known as XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerabilities, were found in key components of the software and could allow hackers to gain full control of affected systems.

SysAid is used by many businesses and organizations to manage help desk tickets, monitor system health, and automate IT tasks. Because it is often integrated deeply into internal systems, any security flaws in this software can be extremely dangerous.

The newly discovered vulnerabilities are related to how SysAid handles XML data. XML is a format used by many applications to send and receive information, and if not handled properly, it can be used to trick the system into giving away sensitive information or executing unauthorized commands. In this case, attackers can send specially crafted XML files that allow them to read private files on the system or even take full control of the application.

What makes the situation worse is that these flaws do not require a valid username or password to exploit. That means an attacker can launch an attack remotely without needing to log in. If successful, they could gain administrative access and start moving through other parts of the company’s internal network.

One of the most serious risks is that these vulnerabilities can be used together with older issues in the same platform. For example, a previously discovered command injection flaw in SysAid can be combined with the new vulnerabilities to run remote code on the server. In simpler terms, it means an attacker could take over the entire system just by sending some malicious data to the right place.

Security researchers at watchTowr Labs first uncovered these flaws earlier this year and notified the company. SysAid responded by releasing a patched version of the software, but not all organizations have updated to the latest release. That has created an opportunity for hackers who scan the internet for unpatched systems.

Government agencies and cybersecurity experts are urging companies to update their SysAid software immediately. The patched version not only fixes the new vulnerabilities but also addresses other known security issues. Organizations are also advised to monitor their servers for any suspicious behavior, such as strange XML requests or unexpected logins.

Even though SysAid is just one platform, this incident highlights the bigger issue of how small configuration errors or overlooked updates can become major security risks. Hackers are constantly watching for any weakness they can use to get inside a network, and outdated software gives them an easy way in.

This is a reminder that keeping software up to date is not just a recommendation — it's a critical part of defending against cyber threats. Organizations that rely on SysAid or similar tools should take a closer look at their current setup and make sure they are not leaving the door open for attackers.