CVE-2022-26116 in FortiNAC
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
Multiple improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands ('SQL Injection') vulnerability [CWE-89] in FortiNAC version 8.3.7 and below, 8.5.2 and below, 8.5.4, 8.6.0, 8.6.5 and below, 8.7.6 and below, 8.8.11 and below, 9.1.5 and below, 9.2.2 and below may allow an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted strings parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26116 represents a critical sql injection flaw in FortiNAC network access control solutions that affects multiple versions across different release lines. This vulnerability resides in the database query processing functionality where user-supplied input parameters are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql commands. The issue manifests when authenticated attackers exploit improperly neutralized special elements within sql command contexts, creating conditions where malicious input can be interpreted as executable sql code rather than simple data. This weakness directly maps to the well-established CWE-89 classification for sql injection vulnerabilities, which is consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks by owasp and represents one of the most prevalent attack vectors in enterprise network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within FortiNAC's database interaction layers. When legitimate users submit parameters through web interfaces or api endpoints, the system fails to adequately escape or encode special sql characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment delimiters that would normally prevent sql command interpretation. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting additional sql statements or modifying existing commands. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that attackers must first establish valid credentials, typically through credential compromise, phishing, or privilege escalation attacks. However, once authenticated, the impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web forms, rest api calls, and potentially command line interfaces that interact with the underlying database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond traditional data breach scenarios and represents a severe threat to network security infrastructure integrity. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute unauthorized database commands with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. Network access control systems like FortiNAC are critical infrastructure components that manage and enforce network security policies, making them attractive targets for sophisticated attackers seeking long-term access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability's presence across multiple version lines indicates a systemic flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms that requires immediate remediation. Organizations utilizing affected FortiNAC versions face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive network resources, compromise authentication mechanisms, or disrupt network operations. The impact is particularly severe in environments where FortiNAC serves as a central security control for network segmentation and access management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26116 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Fortinet, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures across all application interfaces that interact with database systems, following established security best practices such as parameterized queries and prepared statements. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while implementing robust monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify suspicious database activity. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing network configurations and security policies. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, as this flaw represents a pattern that may exist in other applications and systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to authenticated adversaries.