CVE-2023-41673 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-41673, an improper authorization vulnerability identified in Fortinet FortiADC. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2023-41673

CVE-2023-41673 is an improper authorization vulnerability affecting Fortinet FortiADC versions 7.4.0 and earlier than 7.2.2. This vulnerability may allow a low privileged user to access the full system configuration through HTTP or HTTPS requests.

What is CVE-2023-41673?

CVE-2023-41673 is classified as an information disclosure vulnerability (CWE-285) that poses a risk to the confidentiality of system data. It enables unauthorized users to potentially retrieve sensitive information through unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-41673

The impact of CVE-2023-41673 includes the exposure of critical system configuration data to unauthorized individuals. This could lead to data breaches, leakage of sensitive information, and potential exploitation of system weaknesses by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-41673

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Fortinet FortiADC versions 7.4.0 and below 7.2.2 allows a low privileged user to read or backup the full system configuration via HTTP or HTTPS requests, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

FortiADC versions 7.4.0, 7.2.0 to 7.2.2, 7.1.0 to 7.1.4, 7.0.0 to 7.0.5, 6.2.0 to 6.2.6, 6.1.0 to 6.1.6, and 6.0.0 to 6.0.4 are impacted by this vulnerability, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a low privileged user through simple HTTP or HTTPS requests, bypassing proper authorization mechanisms and accessing system configurations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate CVE-2023-41673, users are advised to upgrade to FortiADC version 7.4.1 or above. Additionally, upgrading to FortiADC version 7.2.3 or higher is recommended to address the security flaw effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Apart from immediate upgrades, implementing strict access controls, regular security assessments, and user training on security best practices can enhance long-term protection against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates from Fortinet and promptly applying patches is crucial to stay protected against known vulnerabilities and ensure the security of FortiADC systems.