CVE-2023-28001 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-28001, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-28001

CVE-2023-28001 refers to an insufficient session expiration vulnerability found in Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.12 and 7.2.0 to 7.2.4. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands through the reuse of a deleted user's session in the REST API.

What is CVE-2023-28001?

The CVE-2023-28001 vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.12 and 7.2.0 to 7.2.4 enables malicious actors to execute unauthorized code or commands by exploiting the improper session expiration mechanism in the REST API.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28001

The impact of CVE-2023-28001 is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 4.1. The vulnerability has a high attack complexity and requires network access. While the confidentiality, integrity, and privileges impact are relatively low, it can lead to unauthorized code execution and potentially compromise systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28001

The following technical details outline the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism:

Vulnerability Description

The insufficient session expiration vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.12 and 7.2.0 to 7.2.4 allows attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands by leveraging the session of a deleted user in the REST API.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Fortinet's FortiOS versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.12 and 7.2.0 to 7.2.4. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation through unauthorized code execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

By reusing the session of a deleted user in the REST API, threat actors can exploit the insufficient session expiration vulnerability to execute unauthorized code or commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28001, users and organizations are advised to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to FortiOS version 7.4.0 or above: Fortinet has released an updated version that addresses the vulnerability. By upgrading to FortiOS 7.4.0 or higher, users can protect their systems from potential exploits.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust session management practices: Ensure that sessions are properly managed and expired to prevent unauthorized access and code execution.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches from Fortinet: Stay informed about the latest security releases and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.

By following these mitigation strategies, users can reduce the likelihood of exploitation and safeguard their systems against potential threats.