How to Fix CVE-2025-22467: Remote Code Execution in Connect Secure
| Severity | CVSS 9.9 (Critical) |
|---|---|
| Actively exploited? | No public reports of in-the-wild exploitation; not currently listed in CISA KEV. |
| Affected | Connect Secure 22.7R2.6 |
| Fixed in | See the vendor advisory linked in References for the exact patched version |
| Type (CWE) | CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow |
What is CVE-2025-22467?
A stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure before version 22.7R2.6 allows a remote authenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.
The practical risk is straightforward. A successful exploit lets the attacker run arbitrary commands or code with the same privileges as the Connect Secure service. From there, the attacker can pivot to other hosts, exfiltrate data, deploy ransomware, or persist using legitimate admin tooling.
Am I affected?
You are affected if you run Connect Secure 22.7R2.6.
From the Ivanti / Pulse appliance admin UI, check System → Status → Overview for the current build, or via the CLI:
show version
Cross-reference against the fixed build in Ivanti's security advisory linked under References.
If the build is older than the patched release listed under Fixed in, this CVE applies and you should follow the remediation steps below.
How to fix CVE-2025-22467
The vendor fix is to upgrade to a patched build. The verified patched version per the official advisory is See the vendor advisory linked in References for the exact patched version.
- Read the official advisory for the exact patched build that applies to your deployment model (see https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/February-Security-Advisory-Ivanti-Connect-Secure-ICS-Ivanti-Policy-Secure-IPS-and-Ivanti-Secure-Access-Client-ISAC-Multiple-CVEs).
- Plan the upgrade window. Connect Secure updates are not always hot-pluggable; check the vendor's release notes for required restarts, database migrations, or licensing steps before scheduling production downtime.
- Take a verified backup of configuration and data before upgrading. Roll-back is faster than rebuilding.
- Apply the patch or upgrade using your normal package or vendor installer flow. Use the vendor's documented procedure, not a third-party guide.
- Restart services as the advisory directs. Some fixes only become active after a service restart, others after a full reboot.
Upgrade the Ivanti / pulse secure appliance
# Web admin: System -> Upgrade/Downgrade -> stage the patched image
# referenced in the advisory: https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/February-Security-Advisory-Ivanti-Connect-Secure-ICS-Ivanti-Policy-Secure-IPS-and-Ivanti-Secure-Access-Client-ISAC-Multiple-CVEs
# CLI verification after reboot
show version
show system status
Verify the fix landed
# 1. Confirm the running version matches the fixed-in version from the advisory:
# https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/February-Security-Advisory-Ivanti-Connect-Secure-ICS-Ivanti-Policy-Secure-IPS-and-Ivanti-Secure-Access-Client-ISAC-Multiple-CVEs
# Use the platform-specific version probe above.
# 2. Re-scan with your vulnerability scanner (Nessus, Qualys, Tenable, OpenVAS).
# The scanner should no longer flag CVE-2025-22467 on the patched target.
# 3. Inspect recent service / kernel logs for crash loops or rollback events.
journalctl -u <service> --since "10 minutes ago"
dmesg --since "10 minutes ago"
If you can't patch immediately
Apply only mitigations documented by the vendor. If no official workaround is published, the patched build is the only supported remediation. While you plan the upgrade window:
- Restrict network reach. Put Connect Secure behind a VPN, an allow-listed reverse proxy, or a firewall rule limiting source IPs to the addresses that legitimately need access. This shrinks the attack surface without changing the application.
- Disable internet exposure of the management interface if your firewall allows it. Most exploit chains for this class of bug require reachability to a specific HTTP endpoint or service port. Remove that reachability and the bug is unreachable for the moment.
- Increase logging and alerting on the affected service. Even if the workaround does not block the exploit, fast detection of an attempt is a meaningful control.
How to verify the fix worked
- Confirm the running version of Connect Secure matches or exceeds the patched build the vendor specifies. The CVE record under References lists the fixed version explicitly.
- Check service logs for restart messages and verify the service came up clean after the upgrade. A failed restart that silently rolls back to the unpatched binary is a common operational mistake.
- Review the audit log for any suspicious access during the period the system was unpatched. Pre-patch exploitation leaves traces; failed login bursts, unexpected file uploads, and new admin accounts are common indicators. If the host was reachable from the internet during the exposure window, assume the IoC hunt is mandatory rather than optional.
- Re-run a vulnerability scanner (Nessus, Qualys, Tenable, OpenVAS) against the host after patching. The scanner should no longer flag this CVE on the same target. If it still does, double-check that you upgraded the right component, since many products bundle several services and only one of them may carry the fix.
Frequently asked questions
Related fixes
Other vulnerabilities in the same area that are worth patching alongside this one:
- How to Fix CVE-2025-4427: Authentication Bypass in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile — Authentication Bypass in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile
- How to Fix CVE-2025-4428: Code Injection RCE in Endpoint Manager Mobile — Code Injection RCE in Endpoint Manager Mobile
- How to Fix CVE-2025-0282: Stack Buffer Overflow in Connect Secure , Stack Buffer Overflow in Connect Secure
- How to Fix CVE-2025-22462: Authentication Bypass in Neurons for ITSM (on-prem) , Authentication Bypass in Neurons for ITSM (on-prem)
- How to Fix CVE-2025-22457: Stack Buffer Overflow in Connect Secure , Stack Buffer Overflow in Connect Secure
Is CVE-2025-22467 being exploited in the wild?
There are no public reports of in-the-wild exploitation at the time of this writing, and it is not currently listed in CISA KEV. That does not mean exploitation will not happen. Patch on the vendor timeline regardless.
Does the patch require a reboot?
It depends on the deployment. Connect Secure updates that replace running services usually need at minimum a service restart; some require a host reboot. Check the vendor release notes linked under References for the exact post-upgrade steps.
What if my version of Connect Secure is end-of-life?
End-of-life builds will not receive the fix. The vendor's published guidance in cases like this is to upgrade to a supported branch first, then apply the patched build. Running an EOL release on an internet-reachable interface is the higher risk.
References
- Official vendor advisory: https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/February-Security-Advisory-Ivanti-Connect-Secure-ICS-Ivanti-Policy-Secure-IPS-and-Ivanti-Secure-Access-Client-ISAC-Multiple-CVEs
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-22467
- CISA KEV catalog entry: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
*This guide was assembled from the official vendor advisory, the NVD record, and the CISA KEV listing on 2026-05-25. Always confirm against the vendor's advisory before applying changes in production. Byline: Sai Kiran Pandrala.*