CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-37935NVD status: Modified

FortiOS: Use of HTTP Request With Sensitive Query String

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-37935 is a high-severity use of HTTP request with sensitive query string vulnerability in FortiOS from Fortinet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected FortiOS versions: 7.4.0; 7.2.0 through 7.2.5; 7.0.0 through 7.0.12. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.12% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of FortiOS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on fortiguard.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
FortinetFortiOS7.4.0; 7.2.0 through 7.2.5; 7.0.0 through 7.0.12Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
NoneAvailability is not affected.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.16.5MediumCNA (fortinet.com)
CVSS 3.17.5HighNVD

Official description

A use of GET request method with sensitive query strings vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS 7.0.0 - 7.0.12, 7.2.0 - 7.2.5 and 7.4.0 allows an attacker to view plaintext passwords of remote services such as RDP or VNC, if the attacker is able to read the GET requests to those services.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Use of HTTP Request With Sensitive Query String

The web application uses an HTTP method to process a request, but the request includes sensitive information in the query string.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • When sending sensitive information, only include it in the request body or request headers instead of the query string. This may require avoiding use of GET requests.

More Use of HTTP Request With Sensitive Query String vulnerabilities (CWE-598)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in FortiOS

All FortiOS vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.