External risk intelligence

Pulse Connect Secure: Remote Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-22894

A vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure could allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems. This may impact the confidentiality and integrity of organizational data and systems. Organizations should identify and address affected Pulse Connect Secure assets.

5Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Ivanti Connect Secure

9.09.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-22894

Pulse Connect Secure is an enterprise VPN gateway appliance designed specifically to be public-facing to facilitate remote access. As an edge device, it is intended to provide external connectivity to internal networks by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems. This occurs due to a buffer overflow flaw that can be triggered by specially crafted meeting room data. The potential impact includes the compromise of organizational systems and data.

  • Vulnerable component: Pulse Connect Secure
  • Core weakness: Buffer overflow vulnerability
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A buffer overflow vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure allows for remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this by creating a malicious meeting room. This vulnerability could grant attackers root-level control over affected systems, posing a significant business risk.

  • Exposure through network access.
  • Authenticated attacker initiates.
  • Malicious meeting room triggers impact.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. This could enable an attacker to gain extensive control over affected systems, potentially leading to data compromise and disruption of services. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of this product face significant business risk if this vulnerability is exploited.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: Authenticated access.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A buffer overflow vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure can allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code as the root user. This could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and address this risk.

  • Find affected Ivanti Pulse Secure assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and verify.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ivanti Connect Secure?

Ivanti Connect Secure, previously known as Pulse Connect Secure, is an enterprise solution designed for secure remote access to corporate resources. It acts as a VPN and zero-trust access gateway, enabling remote workers to connect to applications and data from various devices.

What type of weakness does CVE-2021-22894 present?

CVE-2021-22894 is a buffer overflow vulnerability, also described as a 'Code Injection' weakness. This occurs when a program writes data beyond its allocated memory buffer, potentially allowing an attacker to alter the software's intended behavior and execute code.

How can CVE-2021-22894 be exploited?

This vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated attacker through a maliciously crafted meeting room. This action can lead to the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges on the affected Ivanti Connect Secure systems.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-22894 for an organization?

Ivanti Connect Secure is an enterprise VPN gateway appliance, often exposed externally for remote access. This makes it a target for exploitation. A buffer overflow vulnerability with remote code execution capabilities poses a significant risk to organizational systems and data if not addressed.

What steps should be taken to respond to this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Ivanti Connect Secure assets, isolate or reduce exposure where possible, and promptly apply vendor-provided fixes. Continuous monitoring for related issues and verifying the successful application of patches is also crucial.

References