CVE-2023-23778 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record provides details about a relative path traversal vulnerability in FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and below, 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2 that could potentially allow an authenticated user to access unauthorized files and data through specially crafted web requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-23778

This section delves deeper into the specifics of CVE-2023-23778, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23778?

CVE-2023-23778 is a relative path traversal vulnerability identified in FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and earlier, 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2. This flaw could be exploited by authenticated users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files and data by manipulating web requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23778

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential for an authenticated attacker to bypass security measures and access confidential information, leading to data breaches and compromise of sensitive files. The CVSS v3.1 base score for CVE-2023-23778 is 4.7, categorizing it as a medium severity issue with a high impact on confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23778

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-23778.

Vulnerability Description

The relative path traversal vulnerability in FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and below, 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2 allows authenticated users to access unauthorized files and data via maliciously crafted web requests, potentially leading to information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions include FortiWeb 7.0.1 and earlier, 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2, making it crucial for users of these versions to take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted web requests to the affected FortiWeb versions, enabling them to access sensitive files and data beyond their authorized permissions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-23778, users and organizations are advised to implement the following mitigation and prevention measures to secure their systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to FortiWeb version 7.0.2 or above to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access through path traversal.
Monitor system logs and web traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch FortiWeb and other software components to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.
Implement access controls and least privilege principles to restrict user permissions and limit the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Fortinet to address vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses against potential threats.
Establish a robust incident response plan to respond promptly to security incidents and minimize the impact of successful attacks on your organization.