Urgent Cybersecurity Alert: ArrayOS AG VPN Vulnerability Under Active Exploitation

Enterprise networks are facing an immediate and critical threat. Cyber attackers are actively exploiting a severe vulnerability within Array Networks’ ArrayOS AG series, specifically targeting its VPN functionality. This exploitation grants them unauthorized access and the ability to deploy malicious webshells, posing a significant risk to organizational data and infrastructure.

Understanding the ArrayOS AG VPN Vulnerability

The core of this critical issue lies within the DesktopDirect function of ArrayOS AG VPNs. DesktopDirect, typically designed for legitimate remote desktop access by administrators, harbors a dangerous command injection vulnerability. This flaw, tracked as CVE-2023-XXXXX (Note: A placeholder CVE ID is used here as the original source does not specify. Organizations should monitor Array Networks for the official assignment.), allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Such capabilities are a gateway to deeper network penetration and persistent unauthorized control.

Once arbitrary command execution is achieved, threat actors are leveraging this access to install webshells. Webshells are malicious scripts that provide remote administrative access to a web server, effectively turning a compromised server into a persistent backdoor. This allows attackers to maintain control, exfiltrate data, and launch further attacks within the network unnoticed.

The Threat: Webshell Deployment and Network Compromise

The deployment of webshells is particularly concerning. These tools offer adversaries a covert and robust method for long-term presence within a compromised environment. With a webshell, threat actors can:

• Execute system commands.
• Upload and download files.
• Modify configurations.
• Escalate privileges.
• Move laterally across the network.

The active exploitation underscores the urgency for organizations utilizing Array Networks’ ArrayOS AG VPN products to take immediate action. Failure to address this vulnerability can lead to severe data breaches, operational disruption, and significant reputational damage.

Remediation Actions for ArrayOS AG VPN Users

Organizations using Array Networks ArrayOS AG series VPNs must prioritize remediation. Here are the critical steps to take:

• Immediate Patching: Apply all available security patches and updates from Array Networks without delay. This is the most crucial step to close the vulnerable DesktopDirect function.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Conduct comprehensive vulnerability scans of your external and internal networks to identify any exposed ArrayOS AG VPNs and confirm successful patching.
• Network Segmentation: Implement or strengthen network segmentation to limit the potential lateral movement of attackers in case of a compromise.
• Monitoring for Webshells: Actively monitor your web servers and network traffic for indicators of compromise (IoCs), particularly outbound connections or unusual file activities that might indicate webshell deployment.
• Review Access Logs: Scrutinize VPN and server access logs for any suspicious logins, failed authentication attempts, or privilege escalation activities.
• Restrict DesktopDirect Access: If immediate patching isn’t possible, consider temporarily disabling or severely restricting access to the DesktopDirect function until a patch can be applied, if your organizational policy and operational requirements allow.
• Incident Response Plan: Ensure your incident response plan is up-to-date and your team is prepared to handle a potential compromise, including containment, eradication, and recovery procedures.

Tools for Detection and Mitigation

Leveraging appropriate tools can significantly aid in detecting and mitigating this threat:

Tool Name	Purpose	Link
Nessus	Vulnerability Scanning & Patch Verification	Tenable Nessus
OpenVAS / Greenbone Vulnerability Management	Open-source Vulnerability Management	Greenbone.net
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions	Detecting Post-Exploitation Activities & Webshells	(Vendor Specific – e.g., CrowdStrike, SentinelOne)
Web Application Firewalls (WAF)	Filtering Malicious Web Traffic & Command Injection Attempts	(Vendor Specific – e.g., Cloudflare, Akamai, F5)
SIEM Solutions (e.g., Splunk, Elastic, QRadar)	Log Aggregation, Correlation, & Anomaly Detection	(Vendor Specific – e.g., Splunk.com)

Conclusion

The active exploitation of the ArrayOS AG VPN vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise security. The swift action of applying patches, enhancing network monitoring, and reviewing security controls is paramount. Organizations must remain vigilant, leveraging available tools and threat intelligence to defend against these sophisticated attacks and protect their critical assets.