External risk intelligence

FortiOS: Impersonation Risk for Sensitive Data Interception.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-5591

A configuration issue in FortiOS can allow an attacker on the same network to impersonate a server, potentially intercepting sensitive data. This poses a risk to organizations using the affected FortiOS configurations by exposing confidential information.

1Halo Surface Signal

Missing Authentication

Fortinet Fortios

6.2.0 and earlier

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-5591

The vulnerability requires the attacker to be on the same local subnet as the targeted device to impersonate an LDAP server. This restricts access to the immediate local network segment, making it ineligible for direct public internet exposure.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A configuration weakness in FortiOS could allow an attacker on the same network to impersonate a server. This could lead to the interception of sensitive information. The affected organizations include those using Fortinet's FortiOS.

  • Vulnerable FortiOS configuration
  • Impersonation of sensitive servers
  • Interception of sensitive data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An unauthenticated attacker with adjacent network access can impersonate an LDAP server. This allows the attacker to intercept sensitive information. The vulnerability arises from a default configuration within FortiOS.

  • Exposure condition: Adjacent network access.
  • Attacker starting point: Same subnet.
  • Trigger and result: Impersonate LDAP server; intercept sensitive information.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in FortiOS could allow an attacker on the same network to impersonate an LDAP server and intercept sensitive information. This could impact organizations by exposing confidential data. The risk is considered medium.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Basic
  • Required access or conditions: Attacker on same subnet
  • Business risk or urgency: Medium risk exposure

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability in FortiOS may allow an attacker on the same network subnet to intercept sensitive data by impersonating the LDAP server. This issue is classified as internal, meaning an attacker must have access to the local network to exploit it. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating this risk to protect sensitive information.

  • Find assets with this configuration.
  • Isolate affected systems from the network.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify protection.
  • Monitor for related suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is FortiOS and what is it used for?

FortiOS is the firewall operating system from Fortinet. It is used to secure networks by providing firewall capabilities, threat protection, and VPN services, among other security functions.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2019-5591 represent?

CVE-2019-5591 is a Default Configuration vulnerability (CWE-306). This means the software has a default setting that, if unchanged, creates a security risk, allowing an attacker to impersonate a trusted server.

How can an attacker exploit this FortiOS vulnerability?

An unauthenticated attacker on the same local network subnet as the vulnerable FortiOS system can exploit this by impersonating the LDAP server. This allows them to intercept sensitive information without needing special privileges or user interaction.

Who needs to be concerned about this CVE-2019-5591 threat?

Organizations using FortiOS should be concerned. Because the vulnerability requires an attacker to be on the same local subnet, it is classified as an internal threat, meaning it impacts networks directly accessible to those already within the local network environment.

What is the first step to address this FortiOS vulnerability?

The first practical step is to identify which FortiOS assets have the vulnerable configuration. After identification, applying vendor updates and verifying that the protection is in place is crucial to mitigate the risk.

References