External risk intelligence

Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Remote Compromise

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-22941

Citrix ShareFile storage zones controllers are affected by improper access control, enabling unauthenticated remote compromise. This presents a business risk of unauthorized data access and operational disruption. The vulnerability has been observed in ransomware campaigns.

5Halo Surface Signal

Citrix Sharefile Storagezones Controller

before 5.11.20

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-22941

Citrix ShareFile storage zones controllers are designed to facilitate file storage and transfer, often positioned as internet-facing gateways or service endpoints to allow remote access to data, making them inherently public-facing by design in common deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Citrix ShareFile storage zones controller is vulnerable due to improper access control. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to remotely compromise the storage zones controller. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to and modification of sensitive data, disruption of business operations, and significant reputational damage.

  • Vulnerable: Citrix ShareFile storage zones controller
  • Weakness: Improper access control
  • Impact: Data compromise and operational disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Citrix ShareFile storage zones controllers can be remotely compromised by an unauthenticated attacker. This occurs when the controller is exposed externally, allowing an attacker to access it without needing valid credentials. The attacker can then trigger a condition that results in the compromise of the controller, potentially leading to unauthorized access and modification of data.

  • External exposure of the controller.
  • Unauthenticated remote access.
  • Triggering the vulnerability to gain control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability poses a significant threat due to its critical severity and the potential for remote exploitation by attackers with basic technical skills. The compromise of affected systems could lead to widespread data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of business operations. Given the high impact and ease of exploitation, this vulnerability should be treated with a high degree of urgency by affected organizations.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Organizations using Citrix ShareFile storage zones controllers face a critical risk due to improper access controls that could allow unauthenticated attackers to remotely compromise the system. This vulnerability poses a significant business risk, potentially leading to unauthorized access, modification, or destruction of sensitive data and disruption of critical business operations. The risk is heightened as this vulnerability has been observed in ransomware campaigns.

  • Identify all exposed storage zones controllers.
  • Isolate affected systems from the network.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate remediation.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Citrix ShareFile storage zones controller and its vulnerability?

The Citrix ShareFile storage zones controller is a component for managing file storage and transfer. A weakness classified as Improper Access Control (CWE-284) exists in versions before 5.11.20, allowing unauthenticated attackers to remotely compromise the controller.

How does improper access control enable remote compromise?

Improper Access Control (CWE-284) means the system inadequately restricts access to functions or data. This flaw permits an unauthenticated attacker to gain control of the storage zones controller without needing any credentials, leading to potential data compromise and operational disruption.

What is required for an attacker to exploit CVE-2021-22941?

Exploitation of CVE-2021-22941 requires the storage zones controller to be externally exposed. An unauthenticated attacker can then remotely access the controller without credentials and trigger the vulnerability to gain control, potentially leading to unauthorized access and modification of data.

How relevant is CVE-2021-22941 for organizations?

This vulnerability is highly relevant due to its critical severity and the potential for remote exploitation by attackers with low skill levels. The Halo Surface Signal indicates it is 'Very likely' to be exploited because these controllers are often internet-facing gateways.

What is the recommended action for the Citrix ShareFile vulnerability?

Organizations must identify all exposed storage zones controllers, isolate affected systems, and apply vendor updates. Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity is crucial to validate remediation and prevent further compromise.

References