Table of Contents
February 13, 2025
|6m
How to Fix CVE-2025-22467: A Critical Stack-Based Buffer Overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure?
A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in Ivanti Connect Secure, posing a significant threat to organizations utilizing the affected versions. Tracked as CVE-2025-22467, this flaw allows a remote, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and detailed remediation steps to help security professionals effectively mitigate the risk and protect their environments. We'll explore affected versions, detection methods, and the necessary steps to secure your Ivanti Connect Secure deployments.
A Short Introduction to Ivanti Connect Secure
Ivanti Connect Secure (formerly Pulse Connect Secure) is a widely used VPN solution that provides secure remote access to corporate resources. It enables employees to connect to internal networks from anywhere, offering features like SSL VPN, application-level access control, and endpoint security. This solution is a cornerstone for many organizations, ensuring secure connectivity for remote workers and maintaining business continuity. Its role in facilitating secure access makes it a critical component in a company's IT infrastructure.
Summary of CVE-2025-22467
CVE ID: CVE-2025-22467
Description: A stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure allows a remote authenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.
CVSS Score: 9.9 (Critical)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-22467, is a stack-based buffer overflow present in Ivanti Connect Secure versions prior to 22.7R2.6. This flaw allows a remote, authenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution on the affected system. The root cause lies in insufficient boundary checks when handling input, enabling a malicious actor to overwrite parts of the stack memory. Exploitation requires authentication, but given the potential impact of complete system compromise, the risk remains extremely high. Successful exploitation leads to a full compromise of the affected system, with the attacker gaining complete control.
Impact of CVE-2025-22467
The impact of CVE-2025-22467 is severe, potentially allowing a remote attacker to completely compromise the affected Ivanti Connect Secure system. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9, this vulnerability presents a critical risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of critical system files, and denial of service. Because the attack vector is network-based, it can be executed remotely, significantly increasing the attack surface. The low attack complexity and the requirement for low privileges exacerbate the danger, making it easier for attackers to exploit the flaw. The scope change indicates that a successful exploit can impact resources beyond the immediate security context of the vulnerability itself, potentially affecting the entire network.
Products Affected by CVE-2025-22467
The following product versions are affected by this vulnerability:
|
Product
|
Version(s) Affected
|
Version(s) Fixed
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ivanti Connect Secure
|
Prior to 22.7R2.6
|
22.7R2.6 and later versions
|
Products NOT affected:
Versions 22.7R2.6 and later are not affected.
How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?
Determining whether your Ivanti Connect Secure deployment is vulnerable to CVE-2025-22467 is essential for implementing appropriate remediation measures. Here are several methods to check for vulnerability:
1. Version Verification:
Log in to the Ivanti Connect Secure administrative interface.
Navigate to the "System" or "About" section.
Verify the installed version number. If the version is earlier than 22.7R2.6, the system is vulnerable.
2. Command-Line Interface (CLI) Check:
Access the Ivanti Connect Secure CLI via SSH or console.
Execute the command to display the software version. (Specific command may vary depending on configuration).
Compare the displayed version number with the affected versions list.
3. Configuration Review:
Carefully review the Ivanti Connect Secure configuration for any custom settings or modifications that might increase the attack surface.
4. Vulnerability Scanners:
Utilize vulnerability scanners to identify CVE-2025-22467 on your network. Update the vulnerability scanner to the latest version and run a scan against your Ivanti Connect Secure instances. Look for any findings related to CVE-2025-22467.
Detecting Exploitation Attempts:
Monitoring network traffic and system logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Look for the following indicators:
Unusual Network Activity: Monitor for any unexpected traffic originating from or directed towards the Ivanti Connect Secure appliance.
System Log Analysis: Review system logs for any error messages, crashes, or unexpected restarts that may indicate a buffer overflow. Reviewing system logs is part of security logging.
Authentication Failures: Investigate any unusual patterns of authentication failures that might precede an exploitation attempt.
How to Fix the Vulnerability?
Addressing CVE-2025-22467 in Ivanti Connect Secure requires immediate and decisive action. The primary remediation strategy is to upgrade to the patched version. If patching is not immediately feasible, consider implementing the recommended workarounds.
1. Apply the Patch (Primary Remediation):
The most effective solution is to upgrade Ivanti Connect Secure to version 22.7R2.6 or later.
Follow these steps to upgrade:
* Download the latest version of Ivanti Connect Secure (22.7R2.6 or later) from the Ivanti support portal. You can find more details on the Ivanti Forums.
* Back up the current Ivanti Connect Secure configuration.
* Follow the official Ivanti upgrade documentation for your specific deployment scenario.
* After upgrading, verify the new version number and test core functionality.
2. Workarounds (If Immediate Patching is Not Possible):
Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems. This can help contain the potential impact of a successful exploit.
Monitor for Suspicious Activities: Closely monitor system logs and network traffic for any signs of unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities. One effective way to achieve this is through threat intelligence.
Principle of Least Privilege: Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts accessing the system. Restrict user permissions to the minimum necessary to perform their required tasks.
Regular Audits: Regularly audit and review system logs for any signs of exploitation attempts.
3. Monitor Official Channels:
If a patch is not immediately available, continuously monitor official Ivanti channels (security advisories, knowledge base articles) for any security updates or patches related to this vulnerability. You can also check the NVD for latest updates.
By implementing these fixes, mitigations, and best practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2025-22467 and improve the overall security posture of their Ivanti Connect Secure deployments. It's also prudent to consult with Ivanti support for specific guidance related to your environment. The buffer overflow attack can be prevented by taking all necessary precautions.
Found this article interesting? Keep visit thesecmaster.com, and our social media page on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Telegram, Tumblr, Medium, and Instagram and subscribe to receive tips like this.
You may also like these articles:
Arun KL
Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security.
