CVE-2023-27997 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-27997 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that affects certain versions of Fortinet products, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands through specifically crafted requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-27997

This vulnerability impacts Fortinet products such as FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiOS-6K7K, exposing them to potential exploitation by malicious actors.

What is CVE-2023-27997?

The CVE-2023-27997 vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow issue in Fortinet products, specifically in versions 7.2.4 and below, 7.0.11 and below, 6.4.12 and below, 6.0.16 and below for FortiOS, and versions 7.2.3 and below, 7.0.9 and below, 2.0.12 and below, as well as all versions of 1.2 and 1.1 for FortiProxy SSL-VPN. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands by exploiting the SSL-VPN functionality.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27997

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as critical with a CVSS base score of 9.2. The attack complexity is low, but the availability, confidentiality, and integrity impacts are high. No user interaction or special privileges are required for exploitation, making it a significant security concern for affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27997

This section outlines crucial technical aspects of the CVE-2023-27997 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands through specially crafted requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted products include FortiOS-6K7K, FortiProxy, and FortiOS, with specific versions at risk detailed in the container information.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious requests to the affected Fortinet products, leveraging the heap-based buffer overflow to execute unauthorized code or commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-27997, proactive steps should be taken to secure vulnerable systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to the following versions or above for Fortinet products:

For FortiOS-6K7K: version 7.0.12, 6.4.13, 6.2.15, or 6.0.17
For FortiProxy: version 7.2.4 or 7.0.10
For FortiOS: version 7.4.0, 7.2.5, 7.0.12, 6.4.13, 6.2.14, or 6.0.17

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong network security measures, regular software updates, and security monitoring can contribute to long-term resilience against such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security advisories from Fortinet and promptly applying any patches or updates released by the vendor can help protect systems from known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-27997.