CVE-2017-7340 in FortiPortal
Summary
by MITRE
A Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Fortinet FortiPortal versions 4.0.0 and below allows an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via the applicationSearch parameter in the FortiView functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7340 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Fortinet FortiPortal software versions 4.0.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the FortiView functionality of the FortiPortal application, specifically targeting the applicationSearch parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic XSS attack vector where the applicationSearch parameter does not adequately sanitize user input, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and subsequently executed when other users view the affected content. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious payloads that leverage the FortiView functionality to inject script code into the applicationSearch parameter, which then gets rendered in web pages without proper sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS scenario where the malicious code executes whenever legitimate users access the affected functionality, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the FortiPortal environment. Organizations utilizing affected FortiPortal versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to administrative functions, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects the core FortiView functionality which serves as a critical monitoring and reporting component, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited to manipulate security event data or gain unauthorized visibility into network activities. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059.007, this vulnerability enables adversary access through script execution, while T1566.001 addresses the initial access vector through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that FortiPortal systems often serve as central security management platforms, making successful exploitation potentially devastating to overall network security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7340 require immediate implementation of several defensive measures including upgrading to Fortinet FortiPortal versions 4.0.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement robust input sanitization procedures that filter and escape all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on the applicationSearch parameter within FortiView functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable application, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while user education and awareness programs should emphasize the risks of clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information on potentially compromised systems.