CVE-2017-17541 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer versions 6.0.0, 5.6.4, and earlier are vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the import feature for CA and CRL certificates.

Understanding CVE-2017-17541

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer that allows for the injection of malicious Javascript code and HTML tags.

What is CVE-2017-17541?

The vulnerability in Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer versions 6.0.0, 5.6.4, and earlier enables attackers to insert harmful code into CA and CRL certificates via the import feature, potentially leading to Cross-site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17541

The XSS vulnerability in Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer can result in the execution of unauthorized code or commands, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17541

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to inject Javascript code and HTML tags into the CN value of CA and CRL certificates through the import feature in Fortinet FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Fortinet FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer
Versions: FortiManager 6.0.0, 5.6.4, and earlier; FortiAnalyzer 6.0.0, 5.6.4, and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the CN value of CA and CRL certificates during the import process, enabling the insertion of malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-17541 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Fortinet promptly to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation of the XSS flaw.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Fortinet products to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement web application firewalls and security policies to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Fortinet and apply patches as soon as they are released to safeguard systems.