CVE-2023-22638 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published by Fortinet on February 16, 2023, highlighting a vulnerability present in FortiNAC software versions 9.4.1 and below, 9.2.6 and below, 9.1.8 and below, 8.8.11 and below, 8.7.6 and below, 8.6.5 and below, 8.5.4 and below, and 8.3.7 and below. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, involving improper neutralization of inputs during web page generation, potentially leading to XSS attacks via crafted HTTP GET requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-22638

This section delves deeper into the details of CVE-2023-22638 and its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, as well as mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-22638?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22638 involves improper neutralization of inputs during web page generation in FortiNAC software. This flaw may allow authenticated attackers to execute XSS attacks via specially crafted HTTP GET requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22638

The impact of CVE-2023-22638 is rated as medium severity. It has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 6.7 with specific impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is classified as high, with network-based attack vectors and user interaction required.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22638

Exploring the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22638 including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper neutralization of inputs during web page generation in various versions of FortiNAC software, potentially leading to XSS attacks through crafted HTTP GET requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of FortiNAC software are affected by CVE-2023-22638:

FortiNAC 9.4.1 and below
FortiNAC 9.2.6 and below
FortiNAC 9.1.8 and below
FortiNAC 8.8.11 and below
FortiNAC 8.7.6 and below
FortiNAC 8.6.5 and below
FortiNAC 8.5.4 and below
FortiNAC 8.3.7 and below

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP GET requests, enabling them to execute XSS attacks within the affected FortiNAC systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-22638, as well as ensuring the security of FortiNAC systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-22638, users are advised to upgrade to either FortiNAC-F version 7.2.0 or above, or FortiNAC version 9.4.2 or above to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating regular security assessments, keeping software up to date, implementing secure coding practices, and conducting security training for personnel can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring timely application of patches and updates provided by Fortinet can help eliminate vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security posture of FortiNAC systems.