CVE-2021-41031 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-41031, a privilege escalation vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows versions 7.0.2 and below, allowing local unprivileged attackers to escalate to SYSTEM.
A relative path traversal vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows versions 7.0.2 and prior, 6.4.6 and prior, and 6.2.9 and below may allow privilege escalation to SYSTEM via a named pipe.
Understanding CVE-2021-41031
This CVE involves a path traversal vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows that could enable a local unprivileged attacker to raise their privileges to SYSTEM.
What is CVE-2021-41031?
- Vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows versions 7.0.2 and below
- Allows local attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM via FortiESNAC service named pipe
The Impact of CVE-2021-41031
- CVSS Score: 7.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Local unprivileged attacker could gain SYSTEM privileges
Technical Details of CVE-2021-41031
This section covers the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
- Relative path traversal vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows
- Versions affected: 7.0.2 and prior, 6.4.6 and prior, 6.2.9 and below
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Fortinet FortiClientWindows
- Versions: 7.0.2, 7.0.1, 7.0.0, 6.4.6, 6.4.5, 6.4.4, 6.4.3, 6.4.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.0, 6.2.x
Exploitation Mechanism
- Local unprivileged attackers could exploit the named pipe for FortiESNAC service to escalate privileges to SYSTEM
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect systems from the vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Ensure FortiClient for Windows is updated to the latest version
- Monitor and restrict access to named pipes
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement the principle of least privilege
- Conduct regular security assessments
Patching and Updates
- Apply vendor-released patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability