Security Vulnerabilities That a VPN User Can Be Exposed To

Security Vulnerabilities That a VPN

There are a number of security vulnerabilities that a VPN user can be exposed to. These vulnerabilities can result in compromised networks. If an unauthorized party is able to access the network, they can use it to steal data. This could include passwords, configuration files, and malicious code. This type of vulnerability is easily exploited by both authenticated and unauthenticated attackers.

The CERT Coordination Center has identified two types of vulnerabilities affecting the VPN protocol. These vulnerabilities are found in the GlobalProtect agent, which may allow an attacker to replay session tokens or spoof the session. The Pulse Secure Pulse Desktop Client may also be vulnerable to these security vulnerabilities.

Several major VPN vendors have issued advisories due to the presence of these vulnerabilities. Pulse Secure is particularly vulnerable. A critical CVE-2019-11510 alert describes the vulnerability. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to an administrator’s credentials, and the vulnerability could also allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. In addition, a CVE-2019-11510 advisory also points out that Pulse Secure users must apply the latest versions of their software and systems.

Security Vulnerabilities That a VPN User Can Be Exposed To

Another common security vulnerability that a VPN user can be exposed to is leaked security keys. Leaked security keys can allow malicious third parties to monitor browsing activity, as long as they have the ability to decipher the cipher. Consequently, if a hacker gains access to a VPN server, they could track past and future activity on the network.

FortiOS SSL VPN is also vulnerable to path traversal vulnerabilities, which could lead to unauthenticated downloads. Moreover, a remote attacker could execute arbitrary code using a malicious URL. A post-auth heap overflow could also allow an attacker to get a shell on a router.

Unpatched VPN systems are a prime target for advanced persistent threat groups. Researchers from Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Centre have reported multiple attacks by nation-state actors that target unpatched systems. Once a VPN system is vulnerable, these attackers can use their exploits to target newly created VPN appliances and sensitive data.

While VPN services can protect a user’s IP address and internet history, they cannot protect them from phishing sites and downloading compromised files. The majority of data breaches come from weak protocols and unsecure internet connections, not VPNs. The internet is full of security vulnerabilities and the more robust your security measures are, the less vulnerable you are.