Citrix ADC - Path Traversal (CVE-2019-19781)

A Path Traversal Vulnerability, CVE-2019-19781 has been identified in Citrix Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and Gateway versions 10.5 through 13.0, allowing attackers to exploit directory traversal flaws. This vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories outside the intended web root, potentially leading to information disclosure or further system compromise.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 25th of June 2025.

According to CrowdSec data, while opportunistic exploitation dominates, a portion of threat actors trying to exploit CVE-2019-19781 apply basic targeting methods such as port or service detection. This indicates emerging patterns of selective targeting. Additionally, according to week-over-week analysis by CrowdSec, exploitation of CVE-2019-19781 is surging. Attack volumes are spiking well above historical norms, indicating widespread and escalating interest from threat actors. CVE-2019-19781 is currently experiencing high visibility and active exploitation across the internet.

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by sending requests with directory traversal sequences like /vpn/../vpns/cfg/smb.conf to access sensitive configuration files on Citrix ADC and Gateway devices.