Citrix has issued crucial security updates addressing a significant vulnerability that affects NetScaler Console and NetScaler Agent, potentially leading to privilege escalation under specific conditions. As highlighted by Citrix, this flaw, identified as CVE-2024-12284, has been awarded a CVSS v4 score of 8.8 out of 10, marking it as a high-severity threat.
The vulnerability stems from improper privilege management, which might allow authenticated users to escalate their access privileges if the necessary components are deployed. This issue arises when the NetScaler Console Agent is in use, enabling an attacker to execute unauthorized commands post-compromise.
According to Citrix, “The problem is due to insufficient privilege management, which can be exploited by a malicious actor with authentication to execute commands without needing further authorization.” Importantly, the risk is confined to authenticated users, meaning that unauthorized external threats are less inclined to exploit the vulnerability.
The versions impacted by this shortcoming include NetScaler Console 14.1 prior to 14.1-38.53, NetScaler Console 13.1 prior to 13.1-56.18, NetScaler Agent 14.1 before 14.1-38.53, and NetScaler Agent 13.1 before 13.1-56.18.
To mitigate this risk, Citrix has released secure versions, which include NetScaler Console 14.1-38.53 and later, NetScaler Console 13.1-56.18 and later, NetScaler Agent 14.1-38.53 and later, and NetScaler Agent 13.1-56.18 and later. The company has strongly recommended that all users of NetScaler Console and NetScaler Agent upgrade to these newer versions promptly, as no workarounds are available to address the vulnerability.
For users of the Citrix-managed NetScaler Console Service, no immediate action is required, as they are not affected by this particular vulnerability.
As this situation unfolds, it’s vital for businesses to remain alert to potential cybersecurity risks. Utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, it is pertinent to note that tactics such as privilege escalation and initial access may be leveraged in similar attacks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance needed in safeguarding sensitive enterprise environments from emerging threats.
