CVE-2013-2767 in Access Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Citrix NetScaler Access Gateway Enterprise Edition (AGEE) before 9.3.62.4 and 10.x through 10.0.74.4, and NetScaler AGEE Common Criteria build before 9.3.53.6, allows remote attackers to bypass intended intranet access restrictions via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2767 represents a critical security flaw in Citrix NetScaler Access Gateway Enterprise Edition systems that affects multiple version ranges including pre-9.3.62.4 releases, 10.x versions through 10.0.74.4, and Common Criteria builds before 9.3.53.6. This unspecified vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the NetScaler Access Gateway platform, which serves as a crucial component for secure remote access to corporate networks. The affected systems operate as network access control devices that typically function as gateways between external users and internal corporate resources, making them prime targets for attackers seeking unauthorized access to protected networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in its ability to allow remote attackers to bypass intended intranet access restrictions through unknown vectors that are not fully specified in the initial CVE description. This suggests that the flaw may involve improper validation of authentication tokens, flawed session management, or incorrect access control list processing within the NetScaler appliance. The vulnerability's classification as "unspecified" indicates that the exact technical mechanism enabling the bypass remains partially obscured, which is concerning for security professionals attempting to assess risk and implement appropriate defenses. Such unspecified vulnerabilities often represent complex interactions between multiple security controls or subtle implementation flaws that can be exploited in unexpected ways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing Citrix NetScaler Access Gateway systems. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to internal corporate networks, bypassing the very security controls designed to protect sensitive data and resources. This compromise could enable attackers to perform lateral movement within the network, access confidential information, conduct data exfiltration, or establish persistent access points for further exploitation. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security posture of organizations relying on these appliances for remote access, potentially exposing critical business systems to unauthorized access. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and significant financial losses if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2767 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of Citrix NetScaler Access Gateway Enterprise Edition. Organizations must ensure that all systems are updated to versions that have been specifically patched to address this vulnerability, particularly focusing on the version ranges mentioned in the CVE description. Network segmentation and additional access controls should be implemented as temporary measures while patches are deployed, including firewall rules that limit access to the NetScaler appliances and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement enhanced logging and monitoring for authentication events. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and lateral movement, making comprehensive security hardening essential for protecting against exploitation attempts.