CVE-2018-20809 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure (PCS) and Pulse Policy Secure are vulnerable to a specific type of malicious message that can crash the web server.

Understanding CVE-2018-20809

PCS 8.3RX versions before 8.3R5 and Pulse Policy Secure 5.4RX versions before 5.4R5 are affected by this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-20809?

A crafted message can cause the web server to crash with Pulse Secure PCS 8.3RX before 8.3R5 and Pulse Policy Secure 5.4RX before 5.4R5. This vulnerability does not impact PCS 8.1RX.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20809

Malicious messages can lead to web server crashes

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20809

Pulse Secure products are susceptible to a specific type of malicious message that can result in web server crashes.

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerable versions: PCS 8.3RX < 8.3R5, Pulse Policy Secure 5.4RX < 5.4R5

Affected Systems and Versions

PCS 8.3RX versions before 8.3R5
Pulse Policy Secure 5.4RX versions before 5.4R5

Exploitation Mechanism

Crafted messages can trigger web server crashes

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Update affected systems to versions 8.3R5 and 5.4R5
Monitor for any unusual web server behavior Long-Term Security Practices:
Regularly update Pulse Secure products
Implement network security measures
Conduct security audits and assessments
Educate users on safe web practices

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Pulse Secure to address the vulnerability