CVE-2022-23746 in SSL Network Extender
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2022
The IPsec VPN blade has a dedicated portal for downloading and connecting through SSL Network Extender (SNX). If the portal is configured for username/password authentication, it is vulnerable to a brute-force attack on usernames and passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23746 affects IPsec VPN blade implementations that utilize SSL Network Extender (SNX) for remote access connectivity. This security flaw resides within the authentication portal mechanism that governs user access to the VPN infrastructure, specifically when username/password authentication methods are enabled. The affected systems typically operate within enterprise environments where secure remote access to internal networks is critical for business operations. Organizations relying on this VPN solution for workforce mobility and remote collaboration face significant exposure when this vulnerability remains unaddressed. The configuration of the portal for traditional credential-based authentication creates a surface area that adversaries can exploit through automated attack vectors targeting the authentication process itself. This vulnerability represents a fundamental weakness in the access control mechanisms of the VPN infrastructure, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain entry to protected network resources.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms within the authentication portal. When users attempt to authenticate through the SNX portal using username/password combinations, the system fails to adequately monitor or restrict the frequency of authentication attempts. This absence of protective measures enables attackers to conduct systematic brute-force attacks against user accounts without triggering automated defenses. The vulnerability manifests as a lack of intelligent session management and authentication attempt tracking that would normally prevent repeated login attempts from the same source. The implementation does not incorporate adaptive security controls that could detect and respond to suspicious authentication patterns, such as multiple failed login attempts within a short timeframe. This weakness directly maps to common security misconfigurations that fall under CWE-307, which addresses insufficient account lockout mechanisms. The absence of proper throttling mechanisms allows attackers to rapidly cycle through potential username and password combinations, significantly increasing their probability of success.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass broader security implications for enterprise network integrity and data protection. Successful exploitation can result in complete network compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access to internal systems and sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources by providing an entry point that bypasses traditional network security controls. Organizations may experience unauthorized data exfiltration, lateral movement within their network infrastructure, and potential disruption of business operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the authentication gateway itself, meaning that even if other network security controls are functioning properly, this weakness provides a direct path for unauthorized access. The vulnerability can be exploited by both external threat actors and insider threats, making it a significant concern for organizations with robust perimeter security but inadequate internal access controls. This weakness undermines the principle of least privilege and can lead to privilege escalation if attackers gain access to accounts with elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23746 should focus on implementing robust authentication controls and access management policies to prevent exploitation. Organizations must immediately configure rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms within the authentication portal to prevent brute-force attacks from succeeding. The implementation of multi-factor authentication should be prioritized as a defense-in-depth measure that reduces the impact of credential compromise. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be enhanced to detect and alert on suspicious authentication patterns and unusual login behaviors. Security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify and block automated authentication attempts targeting the vulnerable portal. The configuration of the SNX portal should be reviewed to ensure that it enforces strong password policies and implements account lockout after a specified number of failed attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing adaptive authentication controls that can dynamically adjust security measures based on risk assessment of authentication attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110 which covers credential access through brute force methods. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that proper controls have been implemented and are functioning effectively. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that security controls do not negatively impact legitimate user access while effectively mitigating the identified threat.