CVE-2023-29182 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact of CVE-2023-29182, a medium severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS, and learn how to mitigate the risk through prompt updates and security best practices.
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability [CWE-121] in Fortinet FortiOS before 7.0.3 allows a privileged attacker to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted CLI commands, provided the attacker were able to evade FortiOS stack protections.
Understanding CVE-2023-29182
This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-29182, the impact it carries, technical specifics, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2023-29182?
CVE-2023-29182 refers to a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS prior to version 7.0.3. Attackers with elevated privileges can exploit this to run malicious code using carefully engineered CLI commands.
The Impact of CVE-2023-29182
The vulnerability enables threat actors to execute unauthorized code or commands, potentially leading to a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The CVSS base score for this CVE is 6.4, categorizing it as a medium severity issue.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-29182
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from improper stack handling in FortiOS, allowing attackers to overflow the buffer and execute arbitrary commands.
Affected Systems and Versions
Fortinet's FortiOS versions up to 7.0.3 are susceptible to this vulnerability, with earlier releases such as 6.4.0 and 6.2.0 also impacted.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers must bypass FortiOS stack protections to exploit this vulnerability, using specially crafted CLI commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
By applying the following measures, organizations can safeguard their systems against CVE-2023-29182.
Immediate Steps to Take
Promptly update FortiOS to version 7.0.3 or higher to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous behavior indicative of an ongoing attack.
Long-Term Security Practices
Engage in regular security audits, employ least privilege access controls, and conduct security awareness training to enhance organizational resilience against emerging threats.
Patching and Updates
Follow vendor recommendations and apply security patches diligently to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.