External risk intelligence

Pulse Connect Secure Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-22893

A vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure allows unauthenticated remote code execution, impacting systems and data. The exploit has been observed in the wild, posing a significant business risk. Affected organizations should identify and isolate exposed assets, apply vendor fixes, and monitor for related issues.

5Halo Surface Signal

Authentication Bypass

Ivanti Connect Secure

9.09.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-22893

Pulse Connect Secure is a VPN gateway appliance designed specifically to provide remote access and connectivity. These devices are typically deployed at the network edge and are intended to be public-facing to facilitate external user connections, making them highly reachable from the internet by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability affects Ivanti's Pulse Connect Secure product, specifically the Windows File Share Browser and Pulse Secure Collaboration features. The flaw allows an unauthenticated user to execute arbitrary code remotely on the gateway. This could lead to a significant compromise of the affected organization's systems and data.

Vulnerable Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure features
Unauthenticated remote code execution
Compromise of systems and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The vulnerability allows for remote arbitrary code execution on the Pulse Connect Secure gateway. This is achievable by exploiting an authentication bypass within specific features. Attackers can leverage this to gain unauthorized control over the gateway.

Publicly accessible gateway.
Unauthenticated remote access.
Arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code. The exploit is exposed through specific features, potentially impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. This issue has been actively exploited in the wild, indicating a significant threat.

Attackers with moderate skill.
No special access needed.
High business risk, treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This critical vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting features related to Windows File Share Browser and Pulse Secure Collaboration. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, posing a significant risk to organizations. A comprehensive response is required to identify and mitigate the impact on affected systems and data.

Identify all exposed Pulse Connect Secure assets.
Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
Apply vendor fixes and validate.
Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure and how does it facilitate remote access?

Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure is a product used as a VPN gateway, enabling secure remote access to corporate networks. It allows users to connect to internal company resources from external locations.

How does CVE-2021-22893, an authentication bypass, weaken Pulse Connect Secure?

CVE-2021-22893 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure. This weakness, classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and CWE-416 (Use-After-Free), allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass security controls and potentially execute arbitrary code.

What specific features of Pulse Connect Secure are exploited to trigger arbitrary code execution?

The vulnerability is exposed through the Windows File Share Browser and Pulse Secure Collaboration features within Pulse Connect Secure. These features allow unauthenticated users to remotely execute arbitrary code on the gateway.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-22893, considering its exploitation and CISA's advisory?

This vulnerability is highly relevant due to its exploitation in the wild and its inclusion in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Organizations are urged to take immediate action as outlined in CISA directives to mitigate the risks.

What practical steps should be taken to address the Pulse Connect Secure vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all exposed Pulse Connect Secure assets, reduce their exposure, or isolate affected systems. Applying vendor-provided fixes and validating their implementation are crucial, alongside continuous monitoring for related suspicious activities.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.