CVE-2023-23779 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-23779 information outlines a critical vulnerability in Fortinet's FortiWeb application firewall products that could be exploited by authenticated attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-23779

This section provides an in-depth look at the CVE-2023-23779 vulnerability, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23779?

CVE-2023-23779 refers to multiple instances of improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') vulnerabilities in FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and below, 6.4 all versions, and version 6.3.19 and below. This flaw may allow authenticated attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands through crafted parameters in HTTP requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23779

The impact of CVE-2023-23779 is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 6.6. The vulnerability has a high availability, confidentiality, and integrity impact, and requires high privileges from the attacker. The attack complexity is low, with an attack vector of ADJACENT_NETWORK and no user interaction required.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23779

In this section, we delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-23779.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and below, 6.4 all versions, and version 6.3.19 and below, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands via manipulated HTTP request parameters.

Affected Systems and Versions

Fortinet's FortiWeb versions 7.0.1 and below, 6.4 all versions, and version 6.3.19 and below are affected by CVE-2023-23779, making them susceptible to exploitation by authenticated attackers.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-23779 involves crafting specific parameters in HTTP requests to execute unauthorized code or commands on vulnerable FortiWeb instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against the CVE-2023-23779 vulnerability, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching procedures must be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade impacted FortiWeb installations to version 7.0.2 or above. It is also recommended to upgrade to FortiWeb version 6.3.20 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, regular security audits, and ongoing monitoring to prevent and detect similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay current with security updates and patches from Fortinet to address known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-23779, in FortiWeb products. Regularly check for advisories and apply updates promptly to maintain a secure environment.