CVE-2023-28000 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28000 article provides insights into a vulnerability identified in Fortinet's FortiADC product, impacting several versions. Understanding the details of this CVE can help organizations take necessary steps to secure their systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-28000

CVE-2023-28000 refers to an improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability in FortiADC CLI versions, which could potentially enable a local and authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized commands via specific arguments in the diagnose system df CLI command.

What is CVE-2023-28000?

The CVE-2023-28000 vulnerability in FortiADC CLI versions 7.1.0, 7.0.0 through 7.0.3, 6.2.0 through 6.2.4, and 6.1.0 through 6.1.6, as well as 6.0.0 through 6.0.4, may allow an attacker to execute unauthorized commands using specially crafted arguments, posing a risk to system security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28000

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 6.3 and a base severity level of MEDIUM, this vulnerability has a LOW attack complexity and a LOCAL attack vector. It poses a significant risk to availability, confidentiality, and integrity, requiring high privileges for exploitation without user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28000

This section highlights specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-28000 vulnerability to enhance understanding and implementation of mitigation measures.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands, allowing unauthorized command execution through specific arguments in the diagnose system df CLI command.

Affected Systems and Versions

FortiADC versions 7.1.0, 7.0.0 to 7.0.3, 6.2.0 to 6.2.4, 6.1.0 to 6.1.6, and 6.0.0 to 6.0.4 are susceptible to this vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of applying appropriate patches and updates.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with local and authenticated access could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating arguments in the CLI command, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized commands and compromising system security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28000 effectively, organizations and users are advised to implement the following mitigation strategies and security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade FortiADC to version 7.1.1 or higher.
Upgrade FortiADC to version 7.0.4 or higher.
Upgrade FortiADC to version 6.2.5 or higher.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access control measures to limit unauthorized access to sensitive commands and functions.
Educate users and administrators about safe CLI command usage to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories and promptly applying patches released by Fortinet is crucial to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28000. Regularly updating systems helps in safeguarding against potential threats and strengthening overall security posture.