External risk intelligence

Citrix SD-WAN Command Injection Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-12991

Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances are impacted by a vulnerability allowing command execution. This could lead to unauthorized access to data and disruption of network services, posing a significant business risk.

4Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Citrix Netscaler Sd Wan

10.0.0 to before 10.0.810.2.0 to before 10.2.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-12991

The affected products are Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances. These devices are commonly deployed as edge gateways or network infrastructure to manage connectivity across wide area networks, placing them in positions where they are frequently reachable via the internet or exposed at the network perimeter.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances are affected by an improper input validation vulnerability. This flaw allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and disruption of network services.

  • Vulnerable Citrix and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances
  • Improper input validation
  • Command execution and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on affected appliances. The attack path involves an authenticated user interacting with the vulnerable input validation. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution, potentially granting the attacker elevated privileges or access to sensitive system information.

  • External access required
  • Attacker triggers input validation flaw
  • Commands execute, impacting system control

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for unauthorized command execution. Attackers could leverage this to gain control over affected systems, leading to data compromise, service disruption, or further network infiltration. The broad impact and potential for severe damage necessitate prompt attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Authenticated user access
  • Business risk or urgency: High, warrants immediate action

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances, potentially allowing unauthorized access and command execution. Organizations should prioritize identifying all instances of the affected products within their environment. Subsequently, measures to reduce the attack surface or isolate these systems should be implemented. Finally, applying the vendor-provided fix and verifying its successful deployment are critical steps, followed by ongoing monitoring for any related security events.

  • Identify affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN?

Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN are networking appliances used to manage and optimize wide area network (WAN) connectivity. They help businesses ensure reliable and efficient communication across multiple locations.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2019-12991 describe?

CVE-2019-12991 describes an Improper Input Validation weakness. This means the software doesn't properly check the data it receives, which an attacker can exploit to send malicious commands.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2019-12991?

An attacker needs authenticated access to the vulnerable appliance and must trigger the improper input validation flaw. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary commands on the system, bypassing intended controls.

Who should be concerned about this vulnerability?

Organizations using Citrix SD-WAN or NetScaler SD-WAN should be concerned. These devices are often at the network perimeter, making them potentially internet-facing and accessible, which increases the risk of exploitation.

What is the first step to address CVE-2019-12991?

The first step is to identify all instances of the affected Citrix SD-WAN and NetScaler SD-WAN appliances within your environment. This will help you understand the scope of the risk.

References