CVE-2014-8616 in FortiOS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Fortinet FortiOS 5.2.x before 5.2.3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors to the (1) user group or (2) vpn template menus.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8616 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Fortinet FortiOS 5.2.x versions prior to 5.2.3. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of Fortinet's security appliances, specifically targeting the user group and vpn template configuration menus. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially compromising the security of the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it affects core administrative functions that control user access and vpn configurations, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments relying on Fortinet firewalls for network security.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface components responsible for handling user group and vpn template parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed when legitimate users navigate to affected pages or interact with the vulnerable menu systems. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple attack surfaces within the affected FortiOS versions, potentially including form submissions, URL parameters, or dynamic content generation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications where untrusted data is improperly handled in web contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8616 is severe and multifaceted for organizations using affected Fortinet appliances. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, modify user permissions, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that the vulnerability affects user group and vpn template configurations, attackers could potentially escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or modify vpn settings to establish persistent access to the network. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network or direct network connections to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script execution and T1566 for credential access through social engineering, as attackers could use the XSS to harvest user credentials or manipulate administrative interfaces.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of Fortinet's official security patches for FortiOS 5.2.3 and subsequent releases. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the affected web interfaces. Network administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, regular security assessments, and monitoring for suspicious user activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security firmware in enterprise network infrastructure, as outdated systems remain susceptible to exploitation even when other security controls are properly implemented. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all Fortinet appliances are running patched versions to prevent unauthorized access to critical network security configurations.