CVE-2015-5080 in NetScaler ADC
Summary
by MITRE
The Management Interface in Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and NetScaler Gateway 10.1 before 10.1.132.8, 10.5 before Build 56.15, and 10.5.e before Build 56.1505.e allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary shell commands via shell metacharacters in the filter parameter to rapi/ipsec_logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5080 represents a critical remote command execution flaw within Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller and NetScaler Gateway products. This security weakness exists in the Management Interface component of the affected versions, specifically impacting systems running NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway with versions 10.1 before 10.1.132.8, 10.5 before Build 56.15, and 10.5.e before Build 56.1505.e. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the remote access protocol interface, creating a path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the filter parameter within the rapi/ipsec_logs endpoint of the Management Interface. When an authenticated remote user submits shell metacharacters through this parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize the input before processing, leading to command injection. This flaw directly maps to CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command shell, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected service account, potentially allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected Citrix NetScaler appliances. Remote authenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical network services. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where these appliances serve as essential components for application delivery and secure remote access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on NetScaler for their infrastructure security. Organizations may face significant operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to sensitive network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5080 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available builds that address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the Management Interface to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of the affected appliances. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, as recommended by OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise of these critical infrastructure components.