CVE-2017-7336 in FortiWLM
Summary
by MITRE
A hard-coded account named 'upgrade' in Fortinet FortiWLM 8.3.0 and lower versions allows a remote attacker to log-in and execute commands with 'upgrade' account privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7336 represents a critical security flaw in Fortinet FortiWLM versions 8.3.0 and earlier, where a hardcoded administrative account named 'upgrade' exists within the system configuration. This issue falls under the category of hardcoded credentials as classified by CWE-798, which specifically addresses the presence of hard-coded passwords or keys within software applications. The FortiWLM device, designed for wireless local area network management, contains this hardcoded account with predetermined credentials that remain unchanged across deployments, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the inclusion of a default administrative account within the firmware code itself, rather than generating unique credentials during installation or configuration processes. This hardcoded account named 'upgrade' operates with elevated privileges, allowing remote attackers who discover or guess the account credentials to establish unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability enables remote code execution through this account, which operates at the upgrade privilege level, providing attackers with significant control over the wireless management infrastructure. The account credentials are typically well-documented within the device firmware or can be discovered through reverse engineering processes, making the attack surface particularly vulnerable to automated exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the 'upgrade' account privileges typically include the ability to modify system configurations, deploy firmware updates, and potentially access sensitive network data. This represents a severe compromise of network security, particularly in enterprise environments where wireless management systems control critical network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within wireless networks, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, network reconnaissance, or further lateral movement attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations using FortiWLM devices in their wireless network infrastructure, including corporate networks, educational institutions, and government agencies that rely on Fortinet's wireless management solutions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Fortinet FortiWLM versions 8.3.1 or later where this hardcoded account has been removed or properly secured. The remediation process requires thorough inventory management to identify all affected devices and ensure comprehensive patch deployment across the network infrastructure. Security teams should also conduct network segmentation to limit access to wireless management systems and implement additional authentication controls. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through hardcoded credentials and privilege escalation through default accounts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management. The incident underscores the importance of following security best practices including regular security assessments, proper credential management, and adherence to security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for system hardening and access control management.