External risk intelligence

Pulse Connect Secure Code Injection Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-8218

A code injection vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through the administrative web interface. This poses a risk to affected organizations by potentially compromising systems and data.

4Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Ivanti Connect Secure

9.0 and earlier9.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-8218

This vulnerability affects Pulse Connect Secure, which is commonly deployed as an internet-facing remote access gateway. While the vulnerability specifically targets the administrative web interface, these appliances are designed for external connectivity and are frequently exposed to the public internet in standard deployment configurations.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows for arbitrary code execution. An attacker can craft a specific request to exploit this flaw through the administrative web interface. This could lead to significant business disruption and unauthorized access to systems and data.

  • Vulnerable admin web interface
  • Flaw permits arbitrary code execution
  • Potential for data breach and disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A code injection vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code through the administrative web interface. This can occur when an attacker crafts a specific URI. Successful exploitation could lead to an attacker gaining control over the affected system.

  • Publicly accessible admin interface.
  • Attacker crafts a malicious URI.
  • Arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A code injection vulnerability exists that could allow for arbitrary code execution through the administrative web interface. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Organizations should treat this vulnerability with urgency to prevent potential business disruption and data compromise.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low to moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: Administrative access to the web interface.
  • Business risk or urgency: High; urgent remediation advised.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows for arbitrary code execution through a crafted URI via the administrative web interface. Organizations should take immediate action to identify and address this risk. The vulnerability has been identified as externally exposed and carries a high severity rating.

  • Find affected Pulse Connect Secure assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure?

A code injection vulnerability exists in Pulse Connect Secure versions prior to 9.1R8, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. This is achieved by crafting a specific Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) that targets the administrative web interface. Successful exploitation can grant an attacker control over the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

How can an attacker exploit the Pulse Connect Secure vulnerability?

Exploitation involves crafting a malicious Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) that is sent to the administrative web interface of a vulnerable Pulse Connect Secure appliance. This crafted URI triggers a code injection flaw, enabling the attacker to perform arbitrary code execution. The weakness class is CWE-94, which relates to code injection.

What is the scope of the Pulse Connect Secure vulnerability's impact?

The vulnerability affects the administrative web interface of Pulse Connect Secure, allowing for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation could lead to an attacker gaining control over the affected system. This is classified as an external threat as the attack vector is network-based and requires administrative access to the web interface.

What is the relevance of CVE-2020-8218, also known as the Pulse Connect Secure vulnerability?

CVE-2020-8218 is a critical code injection vulnerability affecting Pulse Connect Secure, allowing for arbitrary code execution via the admin web interface. It is listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation. Its network-accessible nature and high severity rating make it a significant concern for organizations using this product.

What steps should organizations take to respond to the Pulse Connect Secure vulnerability?

Organizations should immediately identify all Pulse Connect Secure assets that may be affected. It is crucial to reduce the attack surface by isolating affected systems or restricting access to the administrative interface. Applying vendor-provided security updates is the primary remediation step. After patching, verify the fix and implement continuous monitoring to detect any signs of compromise.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia