CVE-2015-1457 in FortiAuthenticator
Summary
by MITRE
Fortinet FortiAuthenticator 3.0.0 allows local users to read arbitrary files via the -f flag to the dig command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1457 affects Fortinet FortiAuthenticator version 3.0.0, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables local attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the dig command implementation, specifically when processing the -f flag parameter. The vulnerability resides in the authentication and authorization framework of the FortiAuthenticator appliance, which is designed to manage user authentication and access control for network resources. The affected system operates under the assumption that legitimate administrative commands can be executed without proper sanitization of file path parameters, creating an exploitable condition that allows privilege escalation from local user to system-level file access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the dig command's -f flag, which is typically used for DNS resolution operations. When a local user provides a crafted file path argument to this flag, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper access control mechanisms that should prevent arbitrary file access within the application's operational context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to read sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, and system data that could compromise the entire authentication infrastructure. Local users can potentially access administrative configuration files, password hashes, and other critical system information that would otherwise be protected by proper access controls. This compromise undermines the fundamental security model of the FortiAuthenticator appliance, which relies on proper isolation between different user roles and system components. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it easier to exploit compared to remote attacks that might require additional reconnaissance or network-level vulnerabilities.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Fortinet FortiAuthenticator versions that address this vulnerability, applying the vendor-provided patches, and implementing proper input validation controls within the application's command processing logic. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit local user access to only necessary system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper input sanitization mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized file access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of system utilities for unauthorized access to sensitive information.