CVE-2017-7342 in FortiPortal
Summary
by MITRE
A weak password recovery process vulnerability in Fortinet FortiPortal versions 4.0.0 and below allows an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via a hidden Close button
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7342 represents a critical weakness in Fortinet FortiPortal authentication mechanisms that affects versions 4.0.0 and earlier. This flaw resides within the password recovery process, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal authentication procedures. The vulnerability specifically manifests through a hidden Close button functionality that should not be accessible to unauthorized users, yet provides a direct route to command execution. The weakness stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls during the password recovery workflow, allowing attackers to manipulate the recovery process to gain elevated privileges.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the password recovery interface where the hidden Close button serves as an unintended code execution vector. When an attacker interacts with this hidden element, it triggers a sequence that bypasses normal authentication checks and allows arbitrary command injection. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and insufficient sanitization of user inputs during the recovery process. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-79, covering cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can lead to command execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the authentication recovery mechanism, which users typically trust and interact with regularly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include full system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The implications are severe for organizations relying on FortiPortal for network access control and authentication services. This vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that could allow attackers to maintain long-term access to network resources while evading detection through normal security monitoring. The threat actor can use this privilege escalation to move laterally within the network, access sensitive data, or establish persistent malware installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7342 require immediate implementation of firmware updates to FortiPortal versions that address the password recovery process weakness. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to FortiPortal services and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication recovery activities. Access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication implementation and regular security assessments of authentication mechanisms. Security teams must conduct thorough vulnerability scanning to identify any systems running vulnerable FortiPortal versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The remediation process should include reviewing authentication logs for signs of exploitation attempts and implementing network monitoring rules to detect unusual behavior during password recovery processes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities by enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification of user identities.