CVE-2021-22900KEV · OVERDUECWE-94

Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability

High · published May 27, 2021

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.2. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 96.6th percentile for exploit probability.

1635
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.2
EPSS
14%
Percentile
96.6
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ An authenticated admin can unwittingly unleash chaos with just one malicious archive upload! Imagine a digital party crasher slipping in a box of unwanted surprises. 🎉 Think of your server as a VIP lounge where only select guests are allowed. This vulnerability lets an authenticated admin mistakenly invite a troublemaker with a suitcase full of harmful goodies — the kind that could disrupt the entire event! An attacker could exploit this flaw to write arbitrary files on the server, potentially allowing for unauthorized data access, code execution, or even complete server takeover. It's like giving a party crasher the keys to the bar and the DJ booth — chaos and mischief are guaranteed!

Put simply

Think of your server as a VIP lounge where only select guests are allowed. This vulnerability lets an authenticated admin mistakenly invite a troublemaker with a suitcase full of harmful goodies — the kind that could disrupt the entire event! The vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure allows authenticated administrators to upload maliciously crafted archives that can lead to unrestricted file writes through the web interface, sidestepping security checks. This means an attacker could manipulate the server's behavior without raising alarms.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this flaw to write arbitrary files on the server, potentially allowing for unauthorized data access, code execution, or even complete server takeover. It's like giving a party crasher the keys to the bar and the DJ booth — chaos and mischief are guaranteed! Immediate action is essential! Upgrade to Pulse Connect Secure version 9.1R11.4 or later to patch this vulnerability. Additionally, review your upload policies and implement strict file type validations to mitigate risks. 🛡️ You've got this! By following these steps, you'll bolster your security and keep your server safe and sound. 💪

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.2 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.14146 · 96.6th percentile
Weakness
CWE-94 · Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Published
2021-05-27T11:15Z
KEV added
2021-11-03 · due 2022-05-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 3
    kev
  • 27 MAY 11:15Z
    A vulnerability allowed multiple unrestricted uploads in Pulse Connect Secure before 9.1R11.4 that could lead to an authenticated administrator to perform a…
    cvelistv5