How to remediate – Adobe Connect Detection

1. Introduction

Adobe Connect Detection identifies instances of Adobe Connect, a web conferencing application, running on your network. This is important because unpatched applications can be exploited by attackers to gain access to systems and data. Affected systems are typically servers hosting the web conferencing service, potentially impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Technical Explanation

Adobe Connect is a web conferencing application that allows users to host online meetings, webinars, and training sessions. The vulnerability lies in the presence of the application itself, as it represents an attack surface. An attacker could exploit known vulnerabilities within Adobe Connect if present. Preconditions for exploitation include network access to the server running Adobe Connect.

• Root cause: The presence of a potentially vulnerable web conferencing application on the network.
• Exploit mechanism: Attackers can scan networks for open ports and services associated with Adobe Connect, then attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities in the software.
• Scope: Systems running Adobe Connect are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

• Quick checks: Use the command netstat -an | grep 443 to see if Adobe Connect is listening on port 443, a common port for web conferencing applications.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138679 can identify Adobe Connect installations. This is an example only.
• Logs and evidence: Check application logs in the default installation directory for entries related to Adobe Connect.

netstat -an | grep 443

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The following steps outline how to fix the issue of an unmanaged Adobe Connect instance.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have a rollback plan in case of issues, such as restoring from backup. A change window may be required depending on your environment.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Determine whether Adobe Connect is needed for business purposes.
2. Step 2: If not needed, uninstall the application completely using standard operating system procedures.
3. Step 3: If needed, ensure Adobe Connect is updated to the latest version and patched regularly.

4.3 Config or Code Example

This vulnerability does not involve a specific configuration change but rather the presence of an application.

Before

Adobe Connect is installed on the system.

After

Adobe Connect is uninstalled or updated to the latest version.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

• Least privilege: Limit access to systems running Adobe Connect to only authorized personnel.
• Asset inventory: Maintain an accurate inventory of all software installed on your network, including web conferencing applications like Adobe Connect.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

No automation is suitable for this vulnerability.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that Adobe Connect is no longer running or has been updated to the latest version.

• Post-fix check: Run netstat -an | grep 443 again. The output should not show any processes associated with Adobe Connect if uninstalled.
• Re-test: Re-run the earlier detection method (e.g., Nessus scan) to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer present.
• Smoke test: If Adobe Connect is still required, verify that users can connect to meetings and webinars as expected.

netstat -an | grep 443

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include a policy that requires regular software inventory checks, including web conferencing applications like Adobe Connect.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require regular software inventory scans.
• Pipelines: Implement automated scanning in CI/CD pipelines to detect unapproved software installations.
• Asset and patch process: Establish a sensible patch management cycle for all software on your network, including Adobe Connect.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Uninstalling Adobe Connect may disrupt existing meetings or webinars if not planned carefully.
• Roll back: If uninstalling causes issues, restore from the backup created in step 4.1.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable as this is a detection of the application itself, not a specific vulnerability.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://helpx.adobe.com/adobe-connect/