CVE-2023-26204 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published by Fortinet on June 13, 2023, highlighting a vulnerability identified as a plaintext storage of password issue in FortiSIEM software versions. The vulnerability may allow attackers to impersonate any admin user on the device GUI.

Understanding CVE-2023-26204

This section will delve deeper into the details of CVE-2023-26204, including its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-26204?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-26204 is categorized as a plaintext storage of a password vulnerability, specifically under "Improper access control" (CWE-256). This vulnerability exists in various versions of the FortiSIEM software, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user DB content.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26204

The impact of CVE-2023-26204 is significant as it enables attackers with access to user DB content to impersonate any admin user on the device GUI. This could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential manipulation of administrative settings.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26204

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26204, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in FortiSIEM software versions results from improper access control, leading to plaintext storage of passwords. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information and perform malicious activities on the device GUI.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerable versions of FortiSIEM include 6.7, 6.6, 6.5, 6.4, 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 5.4, and 5.3. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches if the vulnerability is exploited.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-26204 involves attackers accessing user DB content to retrieve plaintext passwords. By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers can impersonate admin users on the device GUI and carry out unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-26204, users and organizations should take immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial for affected users to upgrade to FortiSIEM version 7.0.0 or above to address the vulnerability and prevent potential unauthorized access and impersonation risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong password policies, access controls, and regular security audits can enhance the overall security posture of systems, reducing the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Fortinet is essential to protect systems from known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-26204. Stay vigilant for future security advisories and promptly apply recommended patches to ensure the security of your IT infrastructure.