FortiOS: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
CVE-2024-52965 is a high-severity missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in FortiOS from Fortinet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected FortiOS versions: 7.6.0 through 7.6.1; 7.4.0 through 7.4.5; 7.2.0 through 7.2.10, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of FortiOS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on fortiguard.fortinet.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortinet | FortiOS | 7.6.0 through 7.6.1; 7.4.0 through 7.4.5; 7.2.0 through 7.2.10; 7.0.1 through 7.0.16 | Not stated |
| Fortinet | FortiProxy | 7.6.0 through 7.6.1; 7.4.0 through 7.4.8; 7.2.0 through 7.2.13; 7.0.0 through 7.0.20 | Not 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
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- 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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (fortinet.com).
Official description
A missing critical step in authentication vulnerability [CWE-304] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.6.0 through 7.6.1, 7.4.0 through 7.4.5, 7.2.0 through 7.2.10, and before 7.0.16 & FortiProxy version 7.6.0 through 7.6.1, 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, 7.2.0 through 7.2.13 and before 7.0.20 allows an API-user using api-key + PKI user certificate authentication to login even if the certificate is invalid.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
The product implements an authentication technique, but it skips a step that weakens the technique.
More Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities (CWE-304)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in FortiOS
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
Recent Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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