Takeaways from Ivanti SSL VPN Vulnerability Exploits
With the rise of sophisticated cyber attacks, the importance of swiftly applying security patches to product vulnerabilities is critical, particularly when it comes to securing access controls. Ensuring the integrity of SSL VPNs is a prime example, as they provide remote users with secure access to an organization's applications and resources, making them a critical component of a company's network infrastructure. Unfortunately, this also makes them prime targets for cybercriminals.
This past January, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive in response to high-profile Ivanti SSL VPN vulnerabilities. And just this past week, CISA reported their own security breach because of Ivanti exploits.
It is important to recognize that every security product, from any vendor, can face vulnerabilities. In many cases, it is the speed at which flaws are reported and patched that matters most, along with the speed at which organizations apply those patches to minimize their risk.
Broken access controls are particularly dangerous because they directly affect who gains entry into your systems and what they can do once inside.
What to do if you’re impacted by Ivanti SSL VPN vulnerabilities
A large concern when access controls are compromised is unauthorized users exploiting flaws to gain elevated privileges, often leading to a full account takeover. This underscores the need to prioritize patching of these vulnerabilities.
If you are already a BIG-IP customer and if you have the Best licensing model, you may be surprised to learn that an Ivanti VPN alternative is already available to you through BIG-IP Access Policy Manager. Providing not only SSL VPN, BIG-IP APM also delivers zero-trust app access capabilities through Identity Aware Proxy, virtual app access, ID federation, and API protection. This means you can secure access to every app, no matter where it is, from a single point of control.
If you’re interested in exploring BIG-IP APM not only to address immediate concerns but for more strategic advantages long into the future, here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Assess: Evaluate your current Ivanti VPN setup and identify the specific needs and requirements of your organization.
- Talk to an expert: Your existing F5 BIG-IP infrastructure may already give you access to BIG-IP APM with the addition of/through existing BIG-IP APM licenses. You can potentially reduce the overall cost and complexity of making a switch from Ivanti.
- Plan and implement: Develop a detailed migration plan that includes testing, deployment, and user training to ensure a seamless transition.
- Get support: Ensure that your team is prepared to support the new solution or consider F5's Professional Services for assistance.
We know that vulnerabilities are inevitable, and efforts by bad actors to capitalize on them a given. One of the best steps any organization can take to help ensure the safety of their apps and data is to address vulnerabilities as quickly as possible.
Our specialists are standing by ready to help.