External risk intelligence

Citrix NetScaler: Remote Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-3519

A vulnerability in Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and Gateway allows unauthenticated remote code execution. This poses a risk of unauthorized system access and data compromise for affected organizations. Organizations should identify vulnerable assets and apply necessary fixes.

5Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Citrix Netscaler Application Delivery Controller

12.1 to before 12.1-55.29713.0 to before 13.0-91.1313.1 to before 13.1-37.15913.1 to before 13.1-49.13

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-3519

This vulnerability affects Citrix NetScaler ADC and Gateway products. These are purpose-built internet edge devices, VPN gateways, and load balancers designed to be deployed as public-facing infrastructure to facilitate remote access and traffic management, making them inherently exposed to the public internet by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and NetScaler Gateway devices. The core issue is a flaw that allows for unauthenticated remote code execution. This could lead to unauthorized system access, data compromise, and disruption of services, posing a significant risk to organizations.

  • Vulnerable Citrix NetScaler products
  • Unauthenticated remote code execution
  • System access and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The attack begins when a system is exposed to the internet. An unauthenticated attacker can then send a specially crafted request to the vulnerable system. This triggers the execution of malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

  • Exposure condition: System exposed to internet.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious request causes code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote code execution within Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and NetScaler Gateway. Attackers can exploit this to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system compromise. The critical severity and network-exploitable nature indicate a significant risk to organizations utilizing these products.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Not specified.
  • Required access or conditions: Unauthenticated, network access.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical, high urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability presents a critical risk, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely. Organizations using the affected Citrix products should prioritize immediate actions to identify and address potential exposures. The critical severity and direct remote code execution capability necessitate a swift and structured response to protect systems and data.

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

Frequently asked questions

What are Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and Gateway?

Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and NetScaler Gateway are products designed for network traffic management, secure remote access, and acting as internet edge devices. They help organizations securely and efficiently deliver applications and services to users.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-3519 represent?

CVE-2023-3519 is a critical vulnerability identified as CWE-94, concerning the improper control over file generation or manipulation. This specific flaw enables unauthenticated remote code execution.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2023-3519?

An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to a vulnerable internet-exposed system. This action triggers the execution of malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-3519 given the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates a very likely risk for CVE-2023-3519, as it affects publicly facing Citrix NetScaler ADC and Gateway products. These are designed as internet edge devices and VPN gateways, making them inherently exposed and a prime target for exploitation.

What practical steps should be taken in response to CVE-2023-3519?

Given the critical risk of unauthenticated remote code execution, organizations should act swiftly. Immediate steps include identifying all affected assets, reducing their exposure by isolating them or applying necessary fixes, verifying the remediation, and continuously monitoring for any suspicious activity.

References