CVE-2017-11196 in Pulse Connect Secure
Summary
by MITRE
Pulse Connect Secure 8.3R1 has CSRF in logout.cgi. The logout function of the admin panel is not protected by any CSRF tokens, thus allowing an attacker to logout a user by making them visit a malicious web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11196 affects Pulse Connect Secure version 8.3R1 and represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within the administrative logout functionality. This issue resides in the logout.cgi component of the Pulse Connect Secure platform, which is widely used for secure remote access and virtual private network solutions. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative panel's logout mechanism, where no cryptographic token validation is implemented to verify the authenticity of logout requests. This absence of CSRF protection creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate user sessions and potentially compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper request validation within the logout.cgi script. When an administrator or user accesses the logout function, the system should require a unique, unpredictable token that ties the request to the legitimate session. Without such protection, any web page controlled by an attacker can submit a logout request to the vulnerable system, effectively forcing users to be logged out of their sessions. This flaw aligns with CWE-352, which categorizes cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities as those that allow attackers to perform actions on behalf of users without their knowledge or consent. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where session management and request authentication are not properly enforced for administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session termination, as it can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the Pulse Connect Secure environment. An attacker could potentially use this CSRF vector to disrupt administrative operations, force users into re-authentication, or even create conditions that allow for session hijacking attempts. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the administrative panel, which typically contains sensitive configuration options and privileged access controls. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Pulse Connect Secure serves as a critical component of network security infrastructure. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes social engineering tactics that can be used to manipulate users into performing unwanted actions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11196 should focus on implementing proper CSRF protection mechanisms within the logout functionality. Organizations should ensure that all administrative actions, particularly those that modify user sessions or access privileges, require cryptographic tokens that are tied to the user's current session. The most effective remediation involves adding unique, unpredictable tokens to the logout requests that are validated server-side before any session termination occurs. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and ensuring proper session management practices can further reduce the attack surface. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious logout requests, while regular security assessments should verify that all administrative functions properly implement CSRF protection. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user requests, especially those involving session management, and demonstrates how seemingly simple functions can represent significant security risks when proper controls are not implemented.