CVE-2024-48887 describes a critical unverified password change vulnerability in the Fortinet FortiSwitch GUI, enabling remote unauthenticated attackers to change admin passwords through specially crafted requests. This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its severe impact on security.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive configuration settings, which can lead to further exploitation within the network. As this vulnerability can be targeted over the network with low complexity and no required privileges, it poses a significant risk to organizations that utilize Fortinet FortiSwitch devices.
The vulnerability was published on April 8, 2025, and has been analyzed to confirm its potential for exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Immediate remediation steps are critical due to the high exploitability of this vulnerability. Organizations must assess their environments and apply the necessary updates to FortiSwitch products.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to exploit the Fortinet FortiSwitch GUI and change admin passwords. The specific CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-620. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, emphasizing the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected products include Fortinet FortiSwitch, specifically versions from 6.4.0 to 6.4.14, 7.0.0 to 7.0.10, 7.2.0 to 7.2.8, 7.4.0 to 7.4.4, and version 7.6.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-48887 lies in the lack of verification for password changes within the FortiSwitch GUI, which allows attackers to exploit this weakness without authentication. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low attack complexity and no privileges. User interaction is not required, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with high scores for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations must be aware that successful exploitation can lead to complete control over the device, enabling various forms of attacks on the network.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying Fortinet FortiSwitch should recognize the real-world risk posed by this vulnerability. The potential for unauthorized password changes can lead to far-reaching consequences, including complete administrative control over affected devices and subsequent access to sensitive systems.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is critical, given its high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation. Organizations should prioritize remediation efforts to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of their security posture.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Fortinet FortiSwitch are from 6.4.0 to 6.4.14, 7.0.0 to 7.0.10, 7.2.0 to 7.2.8, 7.4.0 to 7.4.4, and version 7.6.0. Organizations using these versions are strongly encouraged to apply patches immediately.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update their FortiSwitch devices to the latest version available. If a patch is not immediately available, organizations should implement network controls to restrict access to the FortiSwitch GUI and monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, especially around the FortiSwitch GUI. They should also look for any unauthorized password changes and review authentication mechanisms to ensure their integrity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-48887 represents a critical vulnerability that underscores the importance of secure administrative interfaces in network devices. Security teams should take this incident as a reminder to regularly review access controls and ensure that administrative interfaces are not publicly accessible.
The trend of unverified password changes highlights a growing need for robust validation mechanisms. Organizations are encouraged to adopt security best practices and conduct regular security assessments to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further insights on vulnerability management, organizations can consult our vulnerability management program and consider implementing continuous security testing strategies.
Organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities by regularly reviewing security advisories and engaging with professional security services.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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