External risk intelligence

Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-21762

A vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy enables attackers to execute unauthorized code via crafted requests. This impacts network security devices, potentially leading to data compromise and operational disruption. Business risk is elevated due to the potential for system intrusion.

5Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Fortinet Fortiproxy

1.0.0 to before 2.0.147.0.0 to before 7.0.157.2.0 to before 7.2.97.4.0 to before 7.4.36.0.0 to before 6.0.186.2.0 to before 6.2.166.4.0 to before 6.4.157.0.0 to before 7.0.147.2.0 t...

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-21762

This vulnerability affects Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy, which are network security appliances. These products are designed to function as internet edge gateways, firewalls, and VPN concentrators, making them inherently public-facing components that are typically exposed directly to the internet to secure network traffic.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The identified vulnerability resides within Fortinet's FortiOS and FortiProxy products. This flaw permits an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands through specially crafted requests. Such an intrusion could lead to significant business disruption and compromise sensitive information.

  • Vulnerable Fortinet products
  • Out-of-bounds write flaw
  • Unauthorized code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit a vulnerability in Fortinet's FortiOS and FortiProxy products. This vulnerability allows for unauthorized code execution through specially crafted requests. Successful exploitation could lead to a compromise of the affected systems, enabling further malicious activities.

  • Exposure through network access.
  • Attacker sends crafted requests.
  • Leads to unauthorized code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant threat due to its potential for unauthorized code execution and command control. Attackers can leverage this weakness to compromise network security devices, potentially leading to widespread data breaches and service disruptions. The critical severity rating and the potential for exploitation by attackers with basic skill levels underscore the urgent need for remediation.

  • Attackers with basic skill levels.
  • Requires no authentication, network-accessible.
  • High business risk, treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Fortinet products presents a significant risk, allowing unauthorized code execution through specially crafted requests. Organizations using affected versions of FortiOS and FortiProxy should prioritize addressing this issue to protect their systems and data from potential compromise. Swift action is crucial to mitigate the impact of this critical vulnerability.

  • Identify all exposed Fortinet assets.
  • Restrict network access to these assets.
  • Apply vendor fixes and confirm remediation.
  • Monitor for related malicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What are Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy and what are they used for?

Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy are network security products. FortiOS is the operating system for many Fortinet security devices, such as firewalls, which protect networks. FortiProxy is used as a secure web gateway and VPN concentrator, often at the edge of a network. They are used to secure internet access and connect different networks safely.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2024-21762 describe?

CVE-2024-21762 describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. This is a type of weakness where a program attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This can corrupt data, cause crashes, or allow an attacker to execute their own code.

How can an attacker exploit this Fortinet vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specifically crafted requests to the affected Fortinet devices. Exploitation does not require authentication, and the vulnerability is triggered through network access, meaning an attacker can attempt to exploit it from outside the network.

Who should be concerned about this Fortinet vulnerability?

Organizations using Fortinet FortiOS or FortiProxy should be concerned. Because these products often act as internet-facing gateways and firewalls, this vulnerability is classified as external and very likely to be accessible to attackers on the internet.

What is the first step for running this Fortinet technology?

If your organization uses affected versions of Fortinet FortiOS or FortiProxy, the immediate first step is to identify all instances of these products within your environment and to apply the necessary fixes provided by Fortinet as soon as possible.

References