CVE-2021-24023 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24023, detailing the vulnerability found in Fortinet FortiAI versions 1.4.0 and earlier that could potentially lead to system shell access for authenticated users.

Understanding CVE-2021-24023

CVE-2021-24023 highlights an improper input validation issue in FortiAI v1.4.0 and earlier versions, allowing an authenticated user to exploit the vulnerability via a malicious payload in the 'diagnose' command.

What is CVE-2021-24023?

The CVE-2021-24023 vulnerability in Fortinet FortiAI versions 1.4.0 and below enables authenticated users to attain system shell access by leveraging a specific payload within the 'diagnose' command.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24023

With a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High Severity), this vulnerability poses a significant threat, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution and compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24023

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24023 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw stems from improper input validation mechanisms in FortiAI v1.4.0 and previous versions, ultimately enabling system shell access for authenticated users through a crafted payload.

Affected Systems and Versions

Fortinet FortiAI versions 1.4.0 and earlier are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing users of these versions to the risk of unauthorized system access.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting a malicious payload into the 'diagnose' command, authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to gain system shell access, bypassing proper validation checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

As a proactive measure against CVE-2021-24023, users and organizations are advised to take immediate action to secure their systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Fortinet FortiAI to the latest version to patch the vulnerability and enhance system security.
Restrict user access and permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit system logs for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Fortinet to address identified vulnerabilities promptly, ensuring the continuous protection of your systems.