CVE-2021-32588 : Security Advisory and Response

A critical vulnerability exists in Fortinet FortiPortal versions, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands as root. Here is a detailed overview of CVE-2021-32588.

Understanding CVE-2021-32588

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and more.

What is CVE-2021-32588?

The vulnerability is classified as a use of hard-coded credentials (CWE-798) issue in FortiPortal versions. Attackers can exploit this to execute unauthorized commands as root.

The Impact of CVE-2021-32588

With a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical), this vulnerability poses a high risk. Remote, unauthenticated attackers can leverage hard-coded credentials to gain root access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-32588

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from hard-coded credentials in FortiPortal, enabling attackers to upload and deploy malicious files using default credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

FortiPortal versions 5.2.5 and below, 5.3.5 and below, 6.0.4 and below, along with 5.1.x and 5.0.x versions, are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using the default hard-coded Tomcat Manager username and password.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2021-32588, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Change default credentials immediately
Monitor system logs for suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update FortiPortal to the latest secure versions
Implement multi-factor authentication for system access

Patching and Updates

Fortinet has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure you apply the latest security updates promptly.