CVE-2018-15749 in Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
The Pulse Secure Desktop (macOS) 5.3RX before 5.3R5 and 9.0R1 has a Format String Vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The Pulse Secure Desktop for macOS version 5.3RX before 5.3R5 and 9.0R1 contains a critical format string vulnerability that represents a significant security flaw in the software's handling of user input. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw exists in how the application processes formatted output strings, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the software through carefully crafted input that can manipulate the format string parsing mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious format specifiers into the application's string formatting functions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. When the vulnerable software processes user-supplied data through format string functions such as printf or sprintf without proper input validation, an attacker can manipulate the execution flow by providing specially crafted format specifiers that reference memory locations or cause the application to behave unpredictably. This particular vulnerability affects the macOS implementation of Pulse Secure Desktop, which is commonly used for enterprise remote access and virtual private network connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it can compromise the entire remote access infrastructure that organizations rely upon for secure network connectivity. Attackers who successfully exploit this format string vulnerability can potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected macOS systems, gain unauthorized access to corporate networks, or extract sensitive information from the application's memory. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Pulse Secure Desktop is used for remote access, as it represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to network resources. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage format string exploits to execute malicious commands through compromised applications.
Organizations using affected versions of Pulse Secure Desktop should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action is to upgrade to the patched versions 5.3R5 and 9.0R1 which contain proper input validation and format string handling mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while patches are deployed. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious network activity and anomalous behavior in remote access sessions can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle sensitive data and provide network access controls. Organizations should review their software supply chain security processes and ensure that all third-party applications undergo thorough security assessments before deployment. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs to protect enterprise networks from exploitation of known security flaws.