External risk intelligence

Fortinet SSL-VPN Vulnerability Allows Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-27997

Certain versions of Fortinet SSL-VPN are affected by a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands. This poses a significant risk of unauthorized system compromise and data access for affected organizations.

5Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Fortinet Fortiproxy

1.1.0 to 1.1.61.2.0 to 1.2.132.0.0 to 2.0.127.0.0 to 7.0.97.2.0 to 7.2.36.0.0 to 6.0.166.2.0 to 6.2.136.4.0 to 6.4.127.0.0 to 7.0.117.2.0 to 7.2.46.0.12 to 6.0.166.2.9 to 6.2....

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-27997

This vulnerability affects the SSL-VPN component of Fortinet appliances. SSL-VPN gateways are explicitly designed to be internet-facing to provide remote access for users and are commonly deployed at the network edge, making them highly accessible to the public internet by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain versions of Fortinet's SSL-VPN in FortiOS and FortiProxy are susceptible to a heap-based buffer overflow. This flaw can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands. The potential impact includes unauthorized command execution and code running on affected systems.

  • Vulnerable SSL-VPN component
  • Buffer overflow flaw
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The SSL-VPN feature in FortiOS and FortiProxy products is exposed to the internet. Attackers can send specially crafted requests to exploit a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability. This can result in an attacker gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code or commands on the affected system.

  • Unauthenticated external access to SSL-VPN.
  • Attacker sends crafted requests.
  • Arbitrary code execution occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability exists within FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN services, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands. This could lead to significant compromise of affected systems and sensitive data. The exploitability of this vulnerability indicates a high level of risk, suggesting it should be treated with urgency.

  • Attackers with low skill may exploit.
  • No access or conditions needed.
  • Business risk is high; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical vulnerability has been identified in Fortinet's FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN features, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected organizations, as it could lead to the compromise of systems and data. Swift action is recommended to mitigate potential business impact.

  • Find exposed Fortinet assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What are FortiOS and FortiProxy used for, according to the advisory?

FortiOS and FortiProxy are network security products from Fortinet. They are used to provide SSL-VPN services, which allow users to securely access a private network remotely. This advisory specifically addresses a vulnerability within the SSL-VPN component of these products.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2023-27997 represent?

CVE-2023-27997 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, identified as CWE-122. This means that an attacker can exploit a flaw in how the software handles data in memory to overwrite crucial information, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code.

What are the attacker's preconditions to exploit this SSL-VPN vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specifically crafted requests. The advisory indicates that no special privileges or user interaction are required, and the vulnerability is present in unauthenticated SSL-VPN access, meaning an attacker does not need to log in to trigger the bug.

Who should be concerned about this Fortinet SSL-VPN vulnerability?

Organizations using Fortinet's FortiOS or FortiProxy with SSL-VPN enabled should be concerned. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this is a very likely threat due to SSL-VPNs commonly being internet-facing for remote access, making them accessible to external attackers.

What is the first step to address this Fortinet SSL-VPN issue?

The immediate first step for anyone running affected versions of FortiOS or FortiProxy is to consult Fortinet's guidance and apply the necessary updates or fixes provided by the vendor to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

References