CVE-2021-26104 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Multiple OS command injection vulnerabilities have been identified in Fortinet products including FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, and FortiPortal. These vulnerabilities could allow a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary shell commands as root, posing a significant security risk.

Understanding CVE-2021-26104

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-26104 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-26104?

The CVE-2021-26104 relates to multiple OS command injection vulnerabilities in Fortinet products, enabling unauthorized execution of shell commands through the CLI interface.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26104

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. It allows an authenticated user to run arbitrary shell commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26104

Let's explore the technical specifics of the CVE-2021-26104 vulnerability in Fortinet products.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the mishandling of CLI command parameters, opening the door for executing unauthorized shell commands as a root user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Fortinet FortiManager versions 6.2.7 and below, 6.4.5 and below, along with all versions of 6.2.x, 6.0.x, and 5.6.x are impacted. Similarly, FortiAnalyzer versions 6.2.7 and below, 6.4.5 and below, and all versions of 6.2.x, 6.0.x, and 5.6.x are vulnerable. Additionally, FortiPortal versions 5.2.5 and below, 5.3.5 and below, and 6.0.4 and below are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local authenticated and unprivileged user through specifically crafted CLI command parameters, enabling the execution of arbitrary shell commands with root privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2021-26104 vulnerability, immediate steps should be taken to secure the affected Fortinet products and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, and FortiPortal to the latest patched versions immediately.
Restrict access to vulnerable systems and employ strong authentication measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories from Fortinet and apply security patches promptly.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Fortinet has released security patches to address the CVE-2021-26104 vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they update their Fortinet products to the latest secure versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.