CVE-2023-6548 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-6548 was assigned by Citrix and published on January 17, 2024. It involves an issue related to improper control of the generation of code ('Code Injection') in NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway. The vulnerability allows an attacker with access to NSIP, CLIP, or SNIP with a management interface to execute remote code on the Management Interface.

Understanding CVE-2023-6548

This section will discuss what CVE-2023-6548 is and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-6548?

CVE-2023-6548 is a vulnerability in NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway that stems from inadequate control over the generation of code, which can lead to code injection. This can enable attackers with certain access permissions to execute remote code on the Management Interface.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6548

The impact of this vulnerability can result in authenticated (low privileged) remote code execution on the Management Interface, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6548

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper control of the generation of code ('Code Injection') in NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute remote code on the Management Interface.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects specific versions of NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway, including versions like 14.1, 13.1, and 13.0 with certain patch levels.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to NSIP, CLIP, or SNIP with a management interface can leverage the vulnerability to carry out authenticated remote code execution on the Management Interface.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-6548 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately apply security patches provided by Citrix to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized code execution on the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures such as network segregation, access controls, and regular security audits to enhance the overall security posture and mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security bulletins and updates from Citrix to stay informed about the latest patches and security recommendations to protect the systems from known vulnerabilities.