In this advisory, we highlight a critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-33299) discovered in Fortinet's FortiNAC product. This vulnerability exposes organizations to potential unauthorized access and code execution, putting their sensitive data, critical services, and network infrastructure at risk. Read on to understand the nature of the threat, its implications, and the recommended actions to protect your network.

What is the Threat?

The threat revolves around a critical remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2023-33299) identified in Fortinet's FortiNAC, a network access control solution. This vulnerability arises due to inadequate validation of user-supplied data, enabling attackers to send specially crafted requests to the targeted device. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can execute arbitrary code, gain unauthorized access to the device, and potentially escalate privileges. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any prior authentication or user privileges, making it a significant risk for organizations relying on FortiNAC.

Why is it Noteworthy?

The discovery of this critical vulnerability in FortiNAC raises significant concerns due to its potential impact. Exploiting this vulnerability grants attackers complete control over the targeted system, resulting in unauthorized access, potential data breaches, and disruption of critical services. What makes this vulnerability particularly alarming is the fact that unauthenticated users can execute unauthorized code or commands without any prior authentication. This significantly increases the potential impact of an attack and emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to promptly patch and secure their FortiNAC installations. Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized access, compromised data, and potential service disruptions.

What is the Exposure or Risk?

A compromised FortiNAC appliance can act as a pivot point for further attacks against an organization's network infrastructure, potentially leading to the compromise of other systems and sensitive information. Therefore, the potential damage extends beyond the compromised FortiNAC device itself. This vulnerability affects FortiNAC versions up to 7.2.1, up to 9.4.2, up to 9.2.7, and up to 9.1.9, as well as all 8.x iterations. Fortinet has addressed the security defect by releasing FortiNAC versions 9.4.3, 9.2.8, 9.1.10, and 7.2.2. However, patches for FortiNAC 8.x will not be released.

Organizations relying on FortiNAC to secure their networks, particularly those in industries such as healthcare, finance, government, and enterprises with large-scale network deployments, face severe consequences if this vulnerability is exploited. Unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential disruptions to critical services are among the risks organizations must address promptly to safeguard their networks and protect their reputation.

What are the Recommendations?

Enterprotect recommends the following actions to limit the impact of the FortiNAC remote code execution vulnerability:

1. Apply the Latest Security Update: It is crucial to promptly apply the security update released by Fortinet to patch the vulnerability. Ensure that all FortiNAC appliances in your environment are updated to the patched version. This step will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and code execution.

2. Implement Network Segmentation: By implementing network segmentation, you can limit the potential impact of a compromised FortiNAC appliance. Separate critical systems and sensitive data from the rest of the network, minimizing the attack surface and enhancing overall network security.

3. Follow the Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and devices only the necessary access rights to perform their tasks. By restricting administrative privileges, you can prevent unauthorized modifications or compromises that could exploit the vulnerability. Regularly review and adjust access rights to align with the principle of least privilege.

4. Implement Robust Monitoring and Detection: Establish a comprehensive monitoring and detection mechanism to identify any unusual activities or attempts to exploit the vulnerability. Continuously monitor the network for signs of compromise and promptly investigate any suspicious behavior to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and further exploitation.

5. Maintain Regular Software and Hardware Updates: Create a process for regularly updating and patching all software and hardware components in your environment. Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities, reducing the overall attack surface and bolstering your network's resilience.

Conclusion

Organizations must take immediate action to address the critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-33299) in FortiNAC. By applying the recommended security measures, including timely updates, network segmentation, least privilege, robust monitoring, and regular patching, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions. Stay informed, stay proactive, and safeguard your network against potential threats.

References

For more in-depth information about the recommendations, please visit the following links:

1. SecurityWeek: Fortinet Patches Critical RCE Vulnerability in FortiNAC

2. CISecurity Advisory: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Fortinet FortiNAC

3. Tenable Blog: CVE-2023-33299 Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in FortiNAC