CVE-2005-3134 in MetaFrame
Summary
by MITRE
Citrix Metaframe Presentation Server 3.0 and 4.0 allows remote attackers to bypass policy restrictions by downloading the launch.ica file and changing the client device name (ClientName).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2019
This vulnerability exists in Citrix Metaframe Presentation Server versions 3.0 and 4.0 where remote attackers can circumvent security policy controls by manipulating the launch.ica file. The issue stems from insufficient validation of client device identifiers within the ICA protocol configuration, allowing malicious actors to modify the ClientName parameter to arbitrary values. This flaw enables unauthorized access to restricted resources by impersonating different client devices or bypassing device-based access controls that should otherwise restrict system access. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that rely on device identification within the Citrix server environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of ICA (Independent Computing Architecture) files which contain connection parameters including client device information. When the launch.ica file is downloaded and modified, attackers can change the ClientName field to bypass device-based restrictions that are typically enforced by the server policies. This modification occurs at the client configuration level before the connection is established, allowing the attacker to present false device identification to the Metaframe server. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and trust assumptions in client-server communication protocols. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability demonstrates improper access control through weak authentication mechanisms and insufficient validation of client parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Citrix Metaframe Presentation Server for remote access and application delivery. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to systems that should be restricted to specific devices or user groups, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability undermines the security posture by allowing bypass of device-based access controls that are fundamental to protecting sensitive corporate resources. Organizations using this software version may experience unauthorized access to critical applications and data, particularly in environments where device authentication is used as a security control. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and authentication controls within the Citrix server configuration. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Metaframe Presentation Server that address this vulnerability and implement additional security measures such as network segmentation, enhanced monitoring of ICA file access patterns, and strict access control policies. The recommended approach includes disabling direct file downloads of launch.ica files when possible, implementing server-side validation of client parameters, and monitoring for suspicious device name changes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and network access controls to reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts involving ICA file manipulation, ensuring that device-based access controls remain effective against such attacks.