CVE-2023-46718 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Fortinet's FortiOS, specifically versions 7.4.0 to 7.4.1, 7.2.0 to 7.2.7, 7.0.0 to 7.0.12, 6.4.6 to 6.4.15, 6.2.9 to 6.2.16, and 6.0.13 to 6.0.18. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands through specially crafted CLI commands.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. It is characterized by a local attack vector, low attack complexity, and requires high privileges for exploitation. The potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, making this a significant concern for organizations using the affected FortiOS versions.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations utilizing Fortinet FortiOS should take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to ensure the security of their systems and protect against potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-46718 states that it is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.4.0 to 7.4.1, 7.2.0 to 7.2.7, 7.0.0 to 7.0.12, 6.4.6 to 6.4.15, 6.2.9 to 6.2.16, and 6.0.13 to 6.0.18. The vulnerability exploits the CLI commands, allowing attackers to run unauthorized code.
The CVSS score of 6.7 indicates medium severity. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
The affected product is Fortinet FortiOS, with configurations that include various versions as specified. The CWE classification associated with this vulnerability is CWE-121.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than what it can hold. This can lead to the corruption of data, crashes, or arbitrary code execution.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the affected system to exploit the vulnerability. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require sophisticated techniques or conditions to be met. However, high privileges are required to execute the attack, limiting exploitation to users with elevated rights.
User interaction is not required, making it easier for attackers to exploit the vulnerability. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, posing a serious risk to systems running affected versions of FortiOS.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk for CVE-2023-46718 is substantial. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems, leading to potential data breaches or system control. The blast radius is significant, as FortiOS is widely used in various environments, making many organizations susceptible to this vulnerability.
Organizations should assess the urgency based on the CVSS score and the potential impact of this vulnerability. Given the current threat landscape, it is critical for organizations to address this issue promptly to prevent exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Fortinet FortiOS include 7.4.0 through 7.4.1, 7.2.0 through 7.2.7, 7.0.0 through 7.0.12, 6.4.6 through 6.4.15, 6.2.9 through 6.2.16, and 6.0.13 through 6.0.18. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-46718, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Fortinet. Ensure that systems are upgraded to versions that are not affected by this vulnerability.
If a patch is not immediately available, organizations can implement workarounds such as restricting access to the CLI and monitoring for any unauthorized attempts to execute commands.
Consider hardening configurations and implementing network controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.
For comprehensive risk management, organizations should engage in continuous penetration testing to validate remediation efforts.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, including unusual CLI command executions. Behavioral anomalies should also be investigated to identify potential exploitation.
Network signatures can help detect unauthorized access attempts, and system changes should be closely monitored for any unauthorized modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-46718 lies in its potential to highlight vulnerabilities in widely used systems like FortiOS. Security teams should recognize this pattern and implement robust security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
This incident represents a trend towards the exploitation of CLI commands in network devices, underscoring the need for security best practices in device management. Security teams should prioritize ongoing training and awareness to better secure their environments.
For further insights into managing vulnerabilities and enhancing security, organizations can refer to our resources on penetration testing and related security assessments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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