CVE-2023-36556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-36556, detailing the vulnerability, impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2023-36556

CVE-2023-36556 involves an incorrect authorization vulnerability in FortiMail webmail versions 7.2.0 through 7.2.2, 7.0.0 through 7.0.5, and below 6.4.7, allowing authenticated attackers to log in to other users' accounts within the same web domain.

What is CVE-2023-36556?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-36556 is categorized under CWE-863 (Escalation of privilege). It allows authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts through crafted HTTP or HTTPs requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-36556

CVE-2023-36556 poses a significant security risk, enabling attackers to bypass authorization controls and potentially access sensitive information within FortiMail webmail accounts. This could lead to unauthorized actions and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-36556

The technical details of CVE-2023-36556 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an incorrect authorization mechanism within the FortiMail webmail versions mentioned, which can be exploited by authenticated attackers to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

FortiMail versions 7.2.0 through 7.2.2, 7.0.0 through 7.0.5, and below 6.4.7 are affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP or HTTPs requests, allowing them to log in to other users' accounts within the same web domain.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-36556, users and organizations are advised to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to FortiMail version 7.4.0 or above
Upgrade to FortiMail version 7.2.3 or above
Upgrade to FortiMail version 7.0.6 or above
Upgrade to FortiMail version 6.4.8 or above

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to immediate upgrades, organizations should implement robust authentication and authorization controls, conduct regular security assessments, and educate users on safe online practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Fortinet to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.