Description
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure, Ivanti Policy Secure, and Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways, which allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.
Affected Product(s)
- Ivanti Connect Secure versions 22.7R2 through 22.7R2.4, 9.1R18.9 and prior
- Ivanti Policy Secure versions 22.7R1.2 and prior
- Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways versions 22.7R2 through 22.7R2.3
Technical Details
Ivanti Connect Secure, Policy Secure, and Neurons for ZTA gateways are widely used products to provide secure remote access, including VPN solutions and Zero Trust Architecture that help organizations manage, regulate, and secure their remote connectivity. However, a critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-0282, has been discovered in these products.
This vulnerability is due to a stack-based buffer overflow, which essentially mismanages the buffer’s memory storage to result in overwriting adjacent memory locations. In more detail, the buffer overflow occurs when a function writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than what is actually allocated, leading to memory corruption. This kind of exploit can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or alter the program execution flow. For stack-based buffer overflow, the attacker can potentially overwrite function pointers or return addresses, paving the way for achieving remote code execution (RCE). The extent of the impact is heavily influenced by the context in which the vulnerable code runs. Since this vulnerability requires no user authentication (unauthenticated attackers can exploit it), the risk factor is amplified.
Remote code execution could allow adversaries to take complete control of the affected systems without any interaction from the users. Ivanti Connect Secure is particularly utilized by organizations for providing secure enterprise-level VPN solutions that facilitate remote users’ connectivity to the corporate network securely. Ivanti Policy Secure extends capabilities to ensure compliance and automate endpoint security management. Neurons for ZTA gateways introduce a zero trust model, allowing granular control over organizational network traffic, predominantly in cloud and hybrid network architectures.
Threat actors may also find this vulnerability appealing due to the broad use of these products in enterprise environments globally. Practically, the exploit can be configured to bypass security measures like endpoint protection and device authentication – therefore, rapid spread and unidentified infiltration become real threats. References and exploit walkthrough from resources such as watchTowr Labs reveal precise mechanisms of these exploitation techniques. Security experts detail, for instance, how crafted data packets can overflow the buffer and write malicious payloads, leading to the execution of arbitrary code. One of the openly available exploits, provided by an individual on GitHub, clearly showcases how attackers can trigger this vulnerability effectively on vulnerable Ivanti systems.
Considering the vast deployment and integral part these systems play in securing the organizational networks, it is essential to understand that the susceptible versions of the software necessitate an immediate patch application. Companies and network administrators must identify susceptible installations and respond promptly to mitigate the associated risks. The vulnerabilities underscore the necessity for maintaining robust security mechanisms and regular updates against newly discovered exploits.
Resources like the CERT-HK announce advisories urging prompt updates and mitigations. Advice extends to securing their network perimeters, conducting vulnerability management practices, routine monitoring for abnormal activities, and applying any provided updates released by Ivanti. The zero-day nature of the vulnerability is thoroughly discussed on platforms that emphasize its widespread potential threat, reinforcing the need for diligent patch management and proactive security posturing.
Weakness
The weakness associated with this vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121). Stack-based buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than what is actually allocated for that buffer, resulting in the corruption of adjacent memory which could lead to arbitrary code execution or program crashes.
Impact Assessment
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute arbitrary code on the affected system. It would provide complete control of the affected device, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system manipulation, denial of service attacks, and further propagation of malware or ransomware within the network.
Active Exploitation
We have observed activity from adversaries targeting similar vulnerabilities in past cases, exploiting them to gain unauthorized access to systems. Specific resources highlight active exploitations and proof-of-concept codes available on platforms like GitHub, indicating a high probability of real-world exploit attempts against vulnerable systems.
Ransomware Association
This vulnerability has been linked to ransomware attacks, specifically suggesting that malware authors could exploit this buffer overflow weakness to gain initial access to the system. Following successful exploitation, attackers could then deploy ransomware to encrypt sensitive data, demanding ransom payments for decryption keys.
Mitigation and Resolution
We have released a patch that addresses this vulnerability. Please update to Ivanti Connect Secure version 22.7R2.5, Ivanti Policy Secure version 22.7R1.3, and Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways version 22.7R2.4 immediately. Ensure that your systems are promptly updated to the specified versions to prevent any potential exploitation.
Recommendations
- We strongly recommend that all customers apply the latest patch as soon as possible.
- Follow the instructions provided by Ivanti for downloading and applying patches.
- Conduct hunt activities to identify any signs of exploitation within your network.
- Take remediation actions if applicable and apply updates prior to returning a device to service.
- Ensure regular monitoring and review of network traffic for any anomalies that might suggest exploitation attempts.
- Implement additional network segmentation to isolate critical systems from less secure segments.
- Consider utilizing intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor and block exploitation attempts.
- Train your staff on recognizing and responding to potential phishing and social engineering attacks, often used to deliver initial payloads.
Referencesย
- CERT-HK Security Bulletin on Ivanti Products
- CERT-NZ Advisory on Two Vulnerabilities Affecting Ivanti Products
- Zero Day Database
- Ivanti Connect Secure ZTA Gateways Security Advisory 1
- Ivanti Connect Secure ZTA Gateways Security Advisory 2
- CVE MITRE Details
- NVD Details
ย