CVE-2015-1880 in FortiOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in sslvpn login page in Fortinet FortiOS 5.2.x before 5.2.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1880 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Fortinet FortiOS version 5.2.x prior to 5.2.3, specifically affecting the sslvpn login page component. This issue exposes organizations to significant security risks as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the sslvpn authentication interface, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions or extract sensitive information. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could potentially occur through multiple input parameters or user interaction points within the login page functionality.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components of FortiOS, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Fortinet's sslvpn services for secure remote access. The attack vector enables remote code execution in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to hijack sessions, steal credentials, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including session fixation, credential theft, and data exfiltration from compromised user environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1880 is substantial for organizations utilizing Fortinet FortiOS 5.2.x versions, as the sslvpn login page serves as a critical entry point for remote workforce access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to corporate networks through compromised user sessions, potentially leading to lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network or proximity to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for cybercriminals. Organizations using this vulnerable software may experience unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and potential compliance violations if the breach involves regulated information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through session manipulation techniques that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to FortiOS version 5.2.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation rules, and output encoding mechanisms to provide defense-in-depth. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1059.007 technique category for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring of JavaScript execution patterns in web applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the FortiOS platform, while user education programs can help reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability. Implementation of Content Security Policy headers and strict input validation measures can provide additional protection against similar XSS vulnerabilities in the future.