CVE-2023-36634 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A command injection vulnerability has been discovered in the FortiAP-U product line, potentially allowing an authenticated attacker to manipulate files and directories via specially crafted commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-36634

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-36634 vulnerability affecting FortiAP-U devices.

What is CVE-2023-36634?

The CVE-2023-36634 vulnerability involves an incomplete filtering of special elements in the FortiAP-U command line interpreter. This flaw may enable an authenticated attacker to list and delete arbitrary files and directories by exploiting specially crafted command arguments.

The Impact of CVE-2023-36634

The vulnerability's impact is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential file manipulation by attackers with low privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-36634

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-36634, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the command line interpreter of FortiAP-U versions 7.0.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.5, 6.0.0 to 6.0.4, and 5.4.0 to 5.4.6. An attacker with valid credentials can abuse this flaw to carry out unauthorized file and directory operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

FortiAP-U versions 7.0.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.5, 6.0.0 to 6.0.4, and 5.4.0 to 5.4.6 are confirmed to be impacted by CVE-2023-36634, with potential risks to data integrity and system availability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending malicious command arguments, an authenticated attacker can exploit the vulnerability to list and delete arbitrary files and directories on affected FortiAP-U devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides insights into the actions necessary to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-36634 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade their FortiAP-U devices to version 7.0.1 or newer, or version 6.2.6 and above, to remediate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating proper access controls, regular security updates, and user training on safe command execution practices can help fortify systems against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-supplied patches and updates should be promptly implemented to address security flaws like CVE-2023-36634 and ensure the ongoing protection of IT infrastructure.