CVE-2015-3293 in FortiMail
Summary
by MITRE
FortiMail 5.0.3 through 5.2.3 allows remote administrators to obtain credentials via the "diag debug application httpd" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3293 affects FortiMail email security appliances running versions 5.0.3 through 5.2.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote administrative users to extract sensitive authentication credentials from the system. This issue stems from improper access controls within the diagnostic debugging functionality of the web-based administration interface, specifically the "diag debug application httpd" command that should normally be restricted to local administrative access only. The flaw allows authenticated remote administrators to execute this debug command without proper authorization checks, potentially exposing system credentials and authentication tokens that could be leveraged for further compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the web server component of FortiMail's administrative interface where the diagnostic command execution lacks proper authentication verification mechanisms. When a remote administrator accesses the debug command through the httpd application interface, the system fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the appropriate privileges to execute such sensitive operations. This weakness creates an attack vector where a malicious actor with valid administrative credentials could potentially escalate their privileges or extract additional credential information from the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a specific implementation of weak privilege checking within the application's security framework. The flaw essentially bypasses the intended security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to critical system debugging functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3293 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative accounts that could be used for persistent system compromise. Once credentials are obtained through this vulnerability, attackers could gain full administrative control over the FortiMail appliance, potentially enabling them to modify email filtering rules, access email content, configure system settings, or even use the appliance as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that manage their FortiMail appliances remotely. This vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks where FortiMail appliances are used as email gateways, as attackers might use the compromised credentials to access other systems that trust the email appliance for authentication purposes.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the access control flaw in the diagnostic command execution. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing network segmentation to restrict access to FortiMail appliances, particularly limiting administrative access to trusted network segments and enforcing strict firewall rules that prevent unauthorized remote access to the appliance's administrative interfaces. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive credential audits and implement multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts where possible. Organizations should also monitor network traffic for suspicious access patterns related to the httpd debugging interface and consider disabling unnecessary debugging features when not actively required for troubleshooting. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management and access control implementation in network security appliances, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation tactics. The incident underscores the necessity for regular security assessments of administrative interfaces and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical infrastructure components from unauthorized access and privilege escalation attacks.