CVE-2025-22467 in Connect Secure
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2025
A stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure before version 22.7R2.6 allows a remote authenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-22467 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Ivanti Connect Secure software prior to version 22.7R2.6. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input during authentication processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers, a classic software security weakness that has been documented under CWE-121. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on Ivanti Connect Secure for remote access and network security management, particularly those with exposed management interfaces or VPN services.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when an authenticated attacker sends specially crafted input to the vulnerable service, causing a stack overflow condition that can overwrite return addresses and function pointers in the call stack. This memory corruption allows attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such services are exposed to external networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, depending on the exploitation method used.
Organizations utilizing Ivanti Connect Secure must prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of version 22.7R2.6 or later, which includes patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable services to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous authentication patterns or unusual network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems or applications within their infrastructure that might share similar architectural patterns. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems with signature-based rules specific to this vulnerability can provide early warning capabilities. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across all network infrastructure components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and memory management, as recommended by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and mandatory code reviews to prevent similar issues from emerging in future software releases, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust software security engineering practices throughout the development lifecycle.