CVE-2023-24489
Citrix Content Collaboration ShareFile Improper Access Control Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2023-24489 is a critical improper access control vulnerability in the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller that allows an unauthenticated attacker to remotely compromise the storage zones controller. By exploiting this access control flaw, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the file-sharing infrastructure, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data stored in ShareFile. CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2023-24489 in the wild, and with an EPSS score of 94.4% placing it in the 99.97th percentile, this vulnerability is among the most actively exploited security flaws currently tracked.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| citrix | sharefile storage zones controller | < 5.11.24 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX559517/sharefile-storagezones-controller-security-update-for-cve202324489(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-24489(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-284: Improper Access Control
In the context of CVE-2023-24489, the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing unauthenticated attackers to bypass intended security restrictions and remotely compromise the controller. This improper access control weakness means that critical operations that should require authentication and authorization are accessible to any network-reachable attacker.
Learn more: CWE-284 — Improper Access Control
Impact Analysis
CVE-2023-24489 carries a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 (Critical severity), reflecting complete compromise potential across all security dimensions. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without physical access, easy to exploit with no special conditions needed, requires no authentication, and demands no user interaction — presenting an extremely accessible attack surface. Confidentiality (High): Attackers can access files and data stored within the ShareFile Storage Zones Controller, potentially exposing sensitive corporate documents, financial data, and personal information shared through the platform. Integrity (High): Full compromise of the storage zones controller allows attackers to modify, delete, or plant malicious files within the shared storage environment. Availability (High): Attackers can disrupt the file-sharing service, deny access to stored data, or leverage the compromised controller as a pivot point for further attacks. The EPSS score of 94.4% indicates near-certain exploitation activity, ranking this vulnerability in the 99.97th percentile and making it one of the most actively targeted vulnerabilities currently known.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2023-24489 in the wild by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a remediation deadline of September 6, 2023. The EPSS score of 94.4% (99.97th percentile) indicates near-certain exploitation activity, making this one of the most actively exploited vulnerabilities in the current threat landscape. While the Citrix vendor advisory link in the NVD references is reported as broken, the extremely high EPSS score and KEV listing confirm that functional exploits are widely available and actively used by threat actors targeting Citrix ShareFile environments.
Remediation
- Apply vendor mitigations immediately. Follow CISA's required action: apply mitigations per Citrix's instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. The CISA remediation deadline was September 6, 2023.
- Upgrade the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller to the latest patched version that addresses CVE-2023-24489. Consult the Citrix security advisory CTX559517 for specific version guidance and patch availability.
- Restrict network access to the ShareFile Storage Zones Controller by implementing firewall rules and network segmentation. Ensure the controller is not directly accessible from the public internet, and limit access to authorized networks and IP ranges only.
- Implement robust access control measures including strong authentication requirements for all administrative and data access functions. Review and enforce the principle of least privilege for all accounts interacting with the ShareFile infrastructure.
- Monitor for indicators of compromise by reviewing access logs on the ShareFile Storage Zones Controller for unauthorized access attempts, unusual file access patterns, or unexpected administrative actions. Check for signs of data exfiltration or lateral movement from the storage zones controller to other systems.
Technical Details
CVE-2023-24489 exploits an improper access control weakness (CWE-284) in the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller, a customer-managed component that handles file storage and transfer operations for the ShareFile cloud collaboration platform. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to send crafted requests over the network to the storage zones controller, bypassing authentication and authorization mechanisms to achieve full remote compromise. As reflected in the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), the attack is network-based with low complexity, requires no privileges or user interaction, and results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The root cause lies in the controller's failure to properly validate and enforce access controls on critical functions, allowing attackers to interact with the storage infrastructure as if they were an authenticated and authorized user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2023-24489 being actively exploited?
Yes, CVE-2023-24489 is being actively exploited in the wild. CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of September 6, 2023. The EPSS score of 94.4% (99.97th percentile) confirms this is one of the most actively exploited vulnerabilities currently tracked.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-24489?
CVE-2023-24489 affects the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller, a customer-managed component of the Citrix Content Collaboration (ShareFile) platform. All versions prior to the security patch referenced in Citrix advisory CTX559517 are considered vulnerable.
How do I fix CVE-2023-24489?
Upgrade the Citrix ShareFile Storage Zones Controller to the latest patched version as specified in Citrix security advisory CTX559517. Additionally, restrict network access to the controller, implement strong authentication controls, and monitor access logs for signs of compromise. See the Remediation section for detailed steps.
How severe is CVE-2023-24489?
CVE-2023-24489 is rated Critical with a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 out of 10. It ranks in the 99.97th percentile for exploitation probability (EPSS score of 94.4%). The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote compromise, making it extremely severe and requiring immediate remediation.
Need Help With Vulnerability Management?
Our security experts can help you prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.