External risk intelligence

NetScaler ADC and Gateway Code Injection Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-6548

A code injection vulnerability in NetScaler ADC and Gateway allows authenticated, low-privileged attackers to execute remote code on the management interface. This impacts affected systems, potentially compromising data and increasing business risk through unauthorized code execution.

4Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Citrix Netscaler Application Delivery Controller

12.1 to before 12.1-55.30213.0 to before 13.0-92.2113.1 to before 13.1-37.17613.1 to before 13.1-51.1514.1 to before 14.1-12.35

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-6548

The vulnerability affects NetScaler ADC and Gateway management interfaces. While these appliances are often deployed at the network edge to provide gateway or load-balancing services, the specific management interface is generally intended to be restricted to internal networks or management segments rather than being directly exposed to the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway that could allow unauthorized code execution. This flaw is present in the product's code generation controls. An attacker with low-level authenticated access to the management interface could potentially execute arbitrary code. This could lead to significant business risk if sensitive systems or data are compromised.

  • Vulnerable component: NetScaler management interface
  • Core weakness: Improper code generation control
  • Main business impact: Remote code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can gain unauthorized control of a NetScaler appliance through a code injection vulnerability. This allows for remote code execution on the appliance's management interface. The attack requires an attacker to have authenticated, low-privileged access to specific network interfaces on the affected appliance. Once access is obtained, the attacker can inject and execute arbitrary code, leading to a compromise of the appliance's management functions and potential access to sensitive data or systems.

  • Exposure: Network interface access (NSIP, CLIP, SNIP).
  • Attacker starting point: Authenticated, low-privileged user.
  • Trigger and result: Code injection leading to remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for authenticated remote code execution on the management interface of NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway. Attackers with low-privileged access to specific network interfaces could potentially compromise the system. The high severity rating and the inclusion on a known exploited vulnerabilities catalog suggest this should be treated with urgency.

  • Attackers with low-privileged access.
  • Requires access to management interface.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway allows an attacker with authenticated, low-privileged access to the management interface to execute remote code. This could impact the integrity and availability of systems and data. The exploitation of this vulnerability presents a significant business risk due to the potential for unauthorized code execution on critical network infrastructure.

  • Identify affected NetScaler assets.
  • Isolate or restrict management interface access.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activities.

Frequently asked questions

What are NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway?

NetScaler ADC (Application Delivery Controller) and NetScaler Gateway are used to manage, secure, and optimize the delivery of applications and data. They are essential for maintaining application availability and performance.

How does CVE-2023-6548 permit code execution?

CVE-2023-6548 is a code injection vulnerability, classified as Improper Control of Generation of Code. This weakness allows an authenticated attacker with low privileges on the management interface to execute arbitrary code on the device.

What conditions allow an attacker to trigger CVE-2023-6548?

An attacker needs authenticated, low-privileged access to the NetScaler management interface, specifically via the NSIP, CLIP, or SNIP network interfaces, to exploit this vulnerability.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-6548, considering Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies this CVE as 'Likely' concerning external risk because it affects NetScaler ADC and Gateway management interfaces. While often network-edge deployed, the management interface is typically restricted internally, suggesting a controlled exposure.

How should organizations respond to CVE-2023-6548?

Organizations should identify affected NetScaler assets, restrict access to management interfaces, apply vendor-provided security updates, and monitor for any suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.

References