CVE-2023-3519

CRITICAL KEV RANSOMWARE NUCLEI

Citrix NetScaler ADC and Gateway - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution

Title source: manual
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2023-3519 is actively exploited and listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added July 19, 2023, with confirmed use in ransomware campaigns. EIP tracks 18 public exploits from researchers including BishopFox, securekomodo, mandiant, including a Metasploit module exploits/freebsd/http/citrix_formssso_target_rce. A Nuclei detection template is also available.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit targets CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix ADC, leveraging a stack-based buffer overflow to achieve remote code execution. It deploys shellcode that creates a PHP backdoor and sets SUID on /bin/sh, then fetches and executes a remote payload.

Description

Unauthenticated remote code execution

Exploits (18)

nomisec WORKING POC 229 stars
by BishopFox · remote
https://github.com/BishopFox/CVE-2023-3519

This exploit targets CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix ADC, leveraging a stack-based buffer overflow to achieve remote code execution. It deploys shellcode that creates a PHP backdoor and sets SUID on /bin/sh, then fetches and executes a remote payload.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC VPX 13.1-48.47
No auth needed
Prerequisites: NASM for shellcode compilation · Network access to target · HTTP server hosting payload
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 85 stars
by securekomodo · poc
https://github.com/securekomodo/citrixInspector

The repository contains a Python-based vulnerability scanner for detecting CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix Gateways. It performs passive analysis and fingerprinting to assess vulnerability status, including checks for patched versions and optional IOC detection for web shells.

Classification
Scanner 100%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Gateway (various versions)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Citrix Gateway · Python 3.6+ with required dependencies
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 66 stars
by mandiant · poc
https://github.com/mandiant/citrix-ioc-scanner-cve-2023-3519

This repository contains a Bash-based IoC scanner developed by Mandiant to detect compromises related to CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix ADC appliances. It checks for known malware paths, shell history, malicious terms, crontab entries, and processes.

Classification
Scanner 100%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC and Gateway versions 13.1, 13.0, 12.1, 12.0
Auth required
Prerequisites: Root access on the Citrix ADC appliance · Bash environment
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 53 stars
by telekom-security · poc
https://github.com/telekom-security/cve-2023-3519-citrix-scanner

This repository contains a Python script that checks for the presence of CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix Gateways/ADCs by analyzing the 'Last-Modified' HTTP header timestamp. It compares the timestamp against known patched versions to determine potential vulnerability.

Classification
Scanner 100%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Gateway/ADC versions 13.0-91.13, 13.1-49.13
No auth needed
Prerequisites: List of target URLs in a 'targets.txt' file
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 14 stars
by mr-r3b00t · poc
https://github.com/mr-r3b00t/CVE-2023-3519

This PowerShell script scans for Citrix NetScaler servers and checks the 'Last-Modified' HTTP header to detect potentially vulnerable instances of CVE-2023-3519. It does not exploit the vulnerability but identifies outdated systems that may be at risk.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix NetScaler (Citrix ADC)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to target server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 11 stars
by SalehLardhi · infoleak
https://github.com/SalehLardhi/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a Nuclei template for detecting CVE-2023-3519, a vulnerability in Citrix ADC and Gateway appliances that allows unauthenticated remote code execution. The template checks for the presence of the vulnerability by comparing the 'Last-Modified' header in the server response to known patched versions.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and Gateway appliances
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to the target web server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 5 stars
by Chocapikk · remote
https://github.com/Chocapikk/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2023-3519, targeting Citrix ADC (specifically VPX 13.1-48.47). The exploit leverages a remote code execution vulnerability by crafting a payload with shellcode and a callback URL, setting up a PHP backdoor and escalating privileges via SUID manipulation.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC VPX 13.1-48.47
No auth needed
Prerequisites: NASM for shellcode generation · Python 3.10 · OpenSSL configuration file · Network access to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 5 stars
by dhammerg · poc
https://github.com/dhammerg/CVE-2023-3519

This PoC exploits a stack overflow vulnerability in Citrix Gateway (CVE-2023-3519) to achieve remote code execution. It uses a crafted HTTP request with shellcode to create a reverse shell via a PHP file and SUID binary.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Gateway (unspecified version)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to target · Python environment with pwntools and ncat
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by rwincey · remote
https://github.com/rwincey/cve-2023-3519

This is a functional exploit for CVE-2023-3519, targeting Citrix ADC/Gateway. It leverages a buffer overflow vulnerability to achieve remote code execution by crafting a malicious HTTP request with embedded shellcode.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC/Gateway (multiple versions including 13.0-87.9, 13.0-88.12, 13.0-88.16, 13.0-89.7, 13.0-90.11, 13.0-90.12, 13.1-21.50, 13.1-33.49, 13.1-33.54)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Citrix ADC/Gateway · SSL/TLS connectivity to the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by passwa11 · remote
https://github.com/passwa11/CVE-2023-3519

This is a functional exploit for CVE-2023-3519, targeting Citrix ADC (VPX 13.1-48.47). It leverages a stack-based buffer overflow to achieve remote code execution by injecting shellcode that creates a PHP backdoor and sets SUID on /bin/sh.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC VPX 13.1-48.47
No auth needed
Prerequisites: NASM for shellcode compilation · Network access to target · HTTP server to host payload
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 1 stars
by KR0N-SECURITY · poc
https://github.com/KR0N-SECURITY/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a C# scanner for detecting Citrix NetScaler servers and checking the Last-Modified header to identify potentially vulnerable systems based on the age of the timestamp. It does not exploit CVE-2023-3519 but scans for indicators of outdated software.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix NetScaler (Citrix ADC)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
github SCANNER
by dyeat · pythonpoc
https://github.com/dyeat/cve-reproduction/tree/main/Citrix/ADC-Gateway/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a Python script that checks for the presence of Citrix ADC by analyzing the 'Last-Modified' HTTP header to determine if the system might be vulnerable to CVE-2023-3519. It does not exploit the vulnerability but scans for potential indicators.

Classification
Scanner 95%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC (NetScaler ADC, NetScaler Gateway) versions 13.1 < 13.1-49.13, 13.0 < 13.0-91.13, 13.1-FIPS < 13.1-37.159, 12.1-FIPS < 12.1-55.297, 12.1-NDcPP < 12.1-55.297
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Citrix ADC server
devstral-2 · analyzed May 22, 2026 Full analysis →
gitlab SCANNER
by Chernenkov · infoleak
https://gitlab.com/Chernenkov/cve-2023-3519-patch-check

This repository contains a Nuclei template and a mock server to detect unpatched systems vulnerable to CVE-2023-3519 by checking for a buffer processing issue in Citrix NetScaler VPX. It does not exploit the vulnerability but scans for its presence.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix NetScaler VPX
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target system
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 23, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER
by JonaNeidhart · poc
https://github.com/JonaNeidhart/CVE-2023-3519-BackdoorCheck

This repository contains a Python script that checks for the presence of CVE-2023-3519 in Citrix Gateways/ADCs by analyzing the 'Last-Modified' HTTP header timestamp. It compares the timestamp against known patched versions to determine if the target is potentially vulnerable.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Gateway/ADC versions 13.0-91.13, 13.1-49.13
No auth needed
Prerequisites: List of target URLs in a file named 'targets.txt'
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER
by d0rb · poc
https://github.com/d0rb/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a Python script that scans for NetScaler (Citrix ADC) servers potentially vulnerable to CVE-2023-3519 by checking the Last-Modified header in HTTP responses. It identifies Citrix servers and flags those with outdated timestamps (older than 15 days).

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Info Leak
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: NetScaler (Citrix ADC)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target server
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
vulncheck_xdb WORKING POC
remote
https://github.com/Mohammaddvd/CVE-2023-3519

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2023-3519, a stack overflow vulnerability in Citrix Gateway. The exploit uses a crafted HTTP GET request with a long padding and a JMP ESP instruction to trigger the overflow and execute shellcode, which creates a reverse shell.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix Gateway
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Target IP address · Network connectivity to the target · ncat installed on the attacker's machine
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 25, 2026 Full analysis →
vulncheck_xdb WORKING POC
remote
https://github.com/assetnote/exploits

The repository contains functional exploit code for CVE-2023-3519, a Citrix NetScaler vulnerability, including both detection and exploitation scripts. The exploit leverages SAML authentication bypass to achieve remote code execution (RCE).

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix NetScaler ADC and Gateway
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Citrix NetScaler instance
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 25, 2026 Full analysis →
metasploit WORKING POC NORMAL
by Ron Bowes, Douglass McKee, Spencer McIntyre, rwincey · rubypoc
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/freebsd/http/citrix_formssso_target_rce.rb

This Metasploit module exploits a stack buffer overflow in Citrix ADC (NetScaler) Forms SSO to achieve unauthenticated remote code execution as root via a crafted HTTP GET request.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Citrix ADC (NetScaler) versions 13.1-48.47, 13.1-37.38, 13.0-91.12, 12.1-65.25, 12.1-64.17
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Citrix ADC management interface · Vulnerable version of Citrix ADC
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

Nuclei Templates (1)

Citrix NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway - Remote Code Execution
CRITICALby pussycat0x,ritikchaddha
Shodan: http.title:"citrix gateway" || title:"netscaler gateway"
FOFA: title="netscaler aaa" || title="citrix gateway" || title:"netscaler gateway"

Scores

CVSS v3 9.8
EPSS 0.9348
EPSS Percentile 99.8%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation active
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CISA KEV 2023-07-19
VulnCheck KEV 2023-07-18
InTheWild.io 2023-07-19
ENISA EUVD EUVD-2023-44176
Ransomware Use Confirmed
CWE
CWE-94
Status published
Products (3)
citrix/netscaler_application_delivery_controller 12.1 - 12.1-55.297 (2 CPE variants)
citrix/netscaler_application_delivery_controller 13.0 - 13.0-91.13
citrix/netscaler_gateway 13.0 - 13.0-91.13
Published Jul 19, 2023
KEV Added Jul 19, 2023
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026