CVE-2016-4787 in Connect Secure
Summary
by MITRE
Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) 8.2 before 8.2r1, 8.1 before 8.1r2, 8.0 before 8.0r10, and 7.4 before 7.4r13.4 allow remote attackers to read sensitive system authentication files in an unspecified directory via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4787 affects Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) appliances across multiple version ranges including 8.2 before 8.2r1, 8.1 before 8.1r2, 8.0 before 8.0r10, and 7.4 before 7.4r13.4. This represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive authentication files stored in unspecified directories. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and file system permissions that allow unauthorized remote exploitation without proper authentication. The affected systems typically handle VPN connections and network access control, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could provide attackers with credentials and authentication information necessary for further system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly restrict access to sensitive resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of directory traversal or file access mechanisms within the Pulse Connect Secure software. Attackers can leverage unknown vectors to gain access to system authentication files that should remain protected from remote access. These authentication files typically contain user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive data required for system authentication. The unspecified directory reference suggests that the vulnerability may affect multiple system locations or that the exact path traversal mechanism is not fully disclosed in the initial vulnerability report. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers without requiring local system access or prior authentication credentials. The vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the appliance, as legitimate system files containing authentication data become accessible to unauthorized remote parties.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4787 is severe and multifaceted within enterprise network environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected Pulse Connect Secure appliances, enabling attackers to obtain administrative credentials and potentially gain access to the broader network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the network access control system, as authentication information becomes available to unauthorized parties. Organizations using these vulnerable versions may experience unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the network or specific insider knowledge. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, and could facilitate subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation and persistence within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4787 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Pulse Connect Secure appliances to the latest available versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these appliances and ensure that only authorized network segments can reach the affected systems. Additional controls should include monitoring for unusual file access patterns and implementing strict firewall rules that limit external access to the appliance. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of authentication files and implement proper file system permissions to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management programs, as well as the need for continuous monitoring of network infrastructure for signs of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access sensitive system files and generate alerts for security operations centers to investigate potential compromise. Proper configuration management and access control policies should be enforced to ensure that authentication files remain protected and inaccessible to unauthorized users.