CVE-2015-1571 in FortiOS
Summary
by MITRE
The CAPWAP DTLS protocol implementation in Fortinet FortiOS 5.0 Patch 7 build 4457 uses the same certificate and private key across different customers installations, which makes it easier for man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers by leveraging the Fortinet_Factory certificate and private key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1571 represents a critical weakness in the CAPWAP DTLS protocol implementation within Fortinet FortiOS 5.0 Patch 7 build 4457. This flaw manifests in the improper use of cryptographic materials across multiple customer environments, creating a significant security risk that undermines the fundamental principles of secure communications. The issue stems from the implementation's reliance on factory-default certificates and private keys that remain unchanged across different installations, effectively creating a universal credential that can be exploited by malicious actors.
This technical flaw directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in security implementations, specifically focusing on the use of weak or predictable cryptographic keys. The vulnerability creates a scenario where attackers can perform successful man-in-the-middle attacks against CAPWAP DTLS communications, as they possess the factory certificate and private key combination that is universally deployed across affected systems. The implications extend beyond simple authentication failures, as this weakness compromises the entire security framework of wireless network communications that depend on DTLS for encryption and authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on Fortinet's wireless infrastructure for secure network communications. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept, modify, or redirect wireless traffic between access points and wireless controllers, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive network data and undermining the security posture of enterprise wireless networks. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Fortinet's wireless solutions in environments where security is paramount, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies that require robust wireless network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1571 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of FortiOS that implement unique certificates and private keys for each installation, ensuring that cryptographic materials are properly randomized and secured. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous CAPWAP DTLS communications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning, suggests that attackers may leverage this weakness to map network topologies and identify vulnerable systems. Furthermore, implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regular cryptographic material audits can help prevent similar issues from arising in future deployments. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional authentication layers to reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.