CVE-2021-26100 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-26100, a vulnerability in Fortinet FortiMail that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate encrypted messages, potentially leading to tampering and plaintext recovery.
A missing cryptographic step in the Identity-Based Encryption service of FortiMail before 7.0.0 may allow an unauthenticated attacker to manipulate encrypted messages, leading to possible tampering and plaintext recovery.
Understanding CVE-2021-26100
This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Fortinet FortiMail versions prior to 7.0.0 that could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to tamper with encrypted messages.
What is CVE-2021-26100?
The vulnerability stems from a missing cryptographic step in FortiMail's Identity-Based Encryption service, enabling attackers to intercept encrypted messages and manipulate them for tampering and plaintext recovery.
The Impact of CVE-2021-26100
With a CVSS base score of 5.6 (Medium severity), this vulnerability could have a high impact on confidentiality, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information without the need for any special privileges. The attack complexity is rated as high.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-26100
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The missing cryptographic step in FortiMail's Identity-Based Encryption service enables unauthenticated attackers to manipulate encrypted messages, potentially leading to tampering and plaintext recovery.
Affected Systems and Versions
Fortinet FortiMail versions before 7.0.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting encrypted messages and manipulating them to perform tampering actions.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26100, follow the preventive measures outlined below.
Immediate Steps to Take
Update FortiMail to version 7.0.0 or later to address this vulnerability. Implement network security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor for security updates from Fortinet and apply patches promptly to protect against emerging threats.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories released by Fortinet and promptly apply patches to ensure the security of your FortiMail deployment.