CVE-2023-46810
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Ivanti Secure Access Client for Linux that allows authenticated low-privileged users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The vulnerability affects Linux systems running Ivanti Secure Access Client versions before 22.7R1. Attackers with local access can exploit this to gain complete control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Ivanti Secure Access Client
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local user access gains full root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence establishment, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malicious insiders or attackers who have gained initial foothold escalate privileges to root, allowing them to bypass security controls, install malware, and access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, exploitation attempts can be detected and contained before significant damage occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the system. The CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management) suggests privilege escalation through improper permission handling.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 22.7R1 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/Security-Advisory-May-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Ivanti Secure Access Client version 22.7R1 or later from official Ivanti sources. 2. Stop the Ivanti Secure Access Client service. 3. Install the updated version following Ivanti's installation guide. 4. Restart the system to ensure all components are properly updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local User Access
linuxLimit local user accounts and implement strict access controls to reduce attack surface
# Review and remove unnecessary local users
sudo userdel <unnecessary_user>
# Implement sudo restrictions
sudo visudo
Monitor Privilege Escalation Attempts
linuxImplement auditing for privilege escalation attempts and Ivanti process execution
# Add audit rule for Ivanti processes
sudo auditctl -a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S execve -F path=/opt/ivanti/*
# Monitor sudo usage
sudo auditctl -w /etc/sudoers -p wa -k sudoers_change
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls and monitor all local user activity
- Isolate affected systems from critical network segments and implement application whitelisting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Ivanti Secure Access Client. If version is earlier than 22.7R1, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
dpkg -l | grep ivanti-secure-access-client || rpm -qa | grep ivanti-secure-access-client || find /opt -name '*ivanti*' -type f -executable -exec {} --version \;Verify Fix Applied:
Verify that Ivanti Secure Access Client version is 22.7R1 or later and test that local users cannot escalate privileges.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Ivanti process execution with root privileges by non-admin users
- Failed sudo attempts followed by successful Ivanti process execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Ivanti processes
- Lateral movement attempts from affected systems
SIEM Query:
source="linux_audit" AND (process_name="*ivanti*" AND user!="root" AND effective_user="root") OR (event_type="privilege_escalation" AND process_name="*ivanti*")