CVE-2015-2683 in Command Center
Summary
by MITRE
Citrix Command Center before 5.1 Build 35.4 and 5.2 before Build 42.7 does not properly restrict access to the Advent Java Management Extensions (JMX) Servlet, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors to servlets/Jmx_dynamic.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2683 affects Citrix Command Center versions prior to specific build numbers, creating a critical security flaw in the application's access control mechanisms. This issue resides within the Advent Java Management Extensions JMX Servlet implementation, which serves as a management interface for monitoring and controlling Java applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access restrictions that allow unauthorized remote exploitation, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper implementation of access controls for the JMX servlet endpoints, specifically targeting the servlets/Jmx_dynamic path. This weakness creates an attack surface where remote adversaries can bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying Java management infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust placed in the JMX interface, which typically requires proper authorization before allowing administrative operations. The unspecified vectors suggest multiple potential attack paths that could exploit this access control bypass, potentially including direct HTTP requests to the vulnerable servlet endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Remote code execution capabilities allow attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms within the network. The affected Citrix Command Center environment could become a foothold for broader attacks, particularly in enterprise environments where such management tools often have elevated privileges and access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects both version 5.1 and 5.2 of the software, indicating a widespread issue across multiple release lines that would require coordinated patching efforts.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Citrix Command Center installations to the latest available versions that address this access control vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the JMX servlet endpoints, particularly limiting access to trusted administrative networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by disabling unnecessary JMX interfaces and ensuring that only authorized personnel can access management servlets. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to reach the vulnerable JMX endpoints. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, which aligns with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter. This vulnerability maps to CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software implementations, emphasizing the critical importance of proper authorization mechanisms in enterprise management interfaces.