CVE-2010-2990 in ICA Client for Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Citrix Online Plug-in for Windows for XenApp & XenDesktop before 11.2, Citrix Online Plug-in for Mac for XenApp & XenDesktop before 11.0, Citrix ICA Client for Linux before 11.100, Citrix ICA Client for Solaris before 8.63, and Citrix Receiver for Windows Mobile before 11.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted HTML document, (2) a crafted .ICA file, or (3) a crafted type field in an ICA graphics packet, related to a "heap offset overflow" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2990 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Citrix client implementations across various operating systems. This security weakness resides within the Citrix Online Plug-in and ICA Client software packages that facilitate remote desktop connections to XenApp and XenDesktop environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the client software's parsing routines, specifically when processing user-supplied data from HTML documents, .ICA configuration files, or graphics packet type fields. The heap offset overflow condition occurs when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. This flaw affects a broad range of Citrix client versions including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris platforms, making it particularly dangerous as it spans multiple operating system ecosystems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which directly relates to improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes within the application's core functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTML documents, specially formatted .ICA files, or manipulating type fields within ICA graphics packets to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When successfully exploited, the heap overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payload data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The attack vectors demonstrate sophisticated targeting of the client-side parsing logic, where each vector represents a different entry point for exploitation. The HTML document attack vector suggests web-based delivery methods, while the .ICA file approach indicates file-based attack scenarios. The graphics packet manipulation represents a more complex exploitation technique that leverages the client's graphics processing capabilities to achieve code execution. This multi-vector approach increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability more difficult to defend against comprehensively. The vulnerability directly maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for execution, highlighting the persistent threat this flaw poses to enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2990 require immediate implementation of software updates and patches provided by Citrix to address the heap overflow conditions in affected client versions. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all Citrix client installations across their network are updated to versions that contain the necessary memory validation fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted network traffic, particularly restricting access to web resources that might deliver malicious HTML content. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in ICA file access or graphics packet processing that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized code, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening unknown HTML documents or .ICA files from untrusted sources remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures specifically designed to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as the heap overflow behavior creates distinctive network and system patterns that can be monitored and analyzed for security purposes.