A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Windows File Resource Profiles in 9.X, allowing a remote authenticated user with privileges to browse SMB shares to execute arbitrary code as the root user. With a CVSS score of 8.8, this vulnerability is classified as high severity. Organizations using affected versions are at significant risk. As of version 9.1R3, this permission is not enabled by default, which adds some level of protection for newer deployments.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and complete control over affected systems, leading to severe impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This vulnerability presents a critical threat, especially for systems exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there are no known exploits available for this vulnerability, making it a priority for organizations to assess their exposure and apply necessary updates. The urgency for defenders is high due to the potential for exploitation if left unaddressed.
To mitigate risks, organizations must ensure they are running the latest versions that address this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing additional network controls to limit access to vulnerable services.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is described as a buffer overflow that can be exploited by remote authenticated users. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level, with the attack vector being network-based. The attack complexity is low, requiring only low privileges and no user interaction.
The affected products include Ivanti Connect Secure versions 9.0 and 9.1, as detailed in the CVE report. The vulnerability was published on May 27, 2021, and is classified under CWE-120, indicating a buffer copy without checking the size of the input.
Technical Analysis
Root cause analysis indicates that improper handling of buffer sizes allows for an overflow condition. Attackers may target this vulnerability remotely, leveraging low privileges to gain root access without requiring user interaction. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability poses significant risks. If exploited, attackers could gain full control over affected systems, leading to data breaches and service disruptions. Organizations must assess their exposure and implement urgent remediation measures to prevent potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Ivanti Connect Secure and Pulse Connect Secure, including numerous sub-versions up to 9.1. Organizations should ensure they are updated to the latest versions to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are urged to apply the latest patches provided by Ivanti to address this vulnerability. In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to affected services and monitor for any suspicious activity. For more detailed guidance on security best practices, review resources on penetration testing methodology and secure configurations.
Detection Guidance
Security teams should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly from authenticated users accessing SMB shares. Look for behavioral anomalies that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implement network signatures to identify potential exploit attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for organizations to maintain vigilance around buffer overflow vulnerabilities, especially in network-facing applications. Security teams should learn from this incident to improve their defensive posture against similar threats. For further insights, refer to our analysis on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing costs to better allocate resources for risk mitigation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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