CVE-2023-3519 Scanner

Citrix NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway are widely used in managing network traffic and providing secure remote access solutions. Enterprises and organizations globally deploy these solutions to optimize and secure their applications for better performance. Their functionalities include load balancing, application firewall, and secure VPN services for remote access. Handling demanding network tasks, Citrix solutions ensure efficient data flow, making them integral for operations in diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government. They are trusted by IT professionals to provide seamless access and high availability for enterprise applications. With substantial reliance on its robust features, any security breach can have widespread impacts across systems relying on Citrix's technology.

The Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Citrix NetScaler ADC and Gateway allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. This critical vulnerability may arise due to insufficient input validation within specified application parameters. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute commands and manipulate the application to perform unauthorized operations. It could potentially affect both the confidentiality and integrity of data, in turn impacting application availability. By crafting specific requests, the attacker may gain elevated privileges, facilitating further exploitation of the system. The vulnerability emphasizes the significance of maintaining updated security patches to protect against such potential intrusions.

The RCE vulnerability is associated with the application's handling of SAML login requests, specifically within the endpoint '/saml/login'. Upon receiving a SAMLRequest with specially crafted contents, the system may improperly process the data leading to unforeseen code execution. This inadequacy manifests when malformed inputs can traverse security checks and get executed within the application's execution environment. Such vulnerabilities often reside in the login mechanisms where request payloads are not thoroughly sanitized or validated. If specific error messages or server responses are noted, they might indicate the presence of the vulnerability. As it's accessed over HTTP, adequate transmission security must also be considered.

Exploitation of this RCE vulnerability poses significant risks, including unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Attackers can run arbitrary commands, escalating privileges, and potentially causing data loss or alteration. The criticality is further underscored by the possibility of turning compromised devices into pivot points for launching further attacks within the network. Impacted systems may experience disruptions in service availability, undermining business operations and eroding client trust and security posture. Persisted breaches might result in leaked sensitive information, thereby introducing compliance risks and potential legal ramifications for organizations.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/assetnote/exploits/blob/main/citrix/CVE-2023-3519/README.md
• https://support.citrix.com/support-home/kbsearch/article?articleNumber=CTX561482
• https://www.assetnote.io/resources/research/analysis-of-cve-2023-3519-in-citrix-adc-and-netscaler-gateway