CVE-2021-22900: Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-22900 is a high (CVSS 7.2) Code Injection vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Connect Secure. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. EPSS estimates a 14.15% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 96.5% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 27-05-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-11-2021
   Added to CISA KEVIvanti Pulse Connect Secure Unrestricted File Upload Vulnerability
3. 03-05-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A vulnerability allowed multiple unrestricted uploads in Pulse Connect Secure before 9.1R11.4 that could lead to an authenticated administrator to perform a file write via a maliciously crafted archive upload in the administrator web interface.

• CWE-94Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.
• CWE-669Incorrect Resource Transfer Between SpheresThe product does not properly transfer a resource/behavior to another sphere, or improperly imports a resource/behavior from another sphere, in a manner that provides unintended control over that resource.