CVE-2022-33875 in FortiADC
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2022
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Fortinet FortiADC version 7.1.0, version 7.0.0 through 7.0.2 and version 6.2.4 and below allows an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in fortinet fortiadc appliances that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands through carefully crafted http requests. The vulnerability exists in multiple versions including 7.1.0, 7.0.0 through 7.0.2, and 6.2.4 and earlier releases, making it a widespread concern across the fortinet product line. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the sql command processing mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a direct injection attack where attacker-controlled data is improperly incorporated into sql commands without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the fortiadc appliance processes http requests containing maliciously crafted parameters that are then used in sql queries. This improper neutralization of special elements allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources or execute arbitrary code on the affected appliance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides authenticated attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized commands on the fortiadc device. This could lead to complete compromise of the load balancing and application delivery services provided by the appliance, potentially disrupting critical network infrastructure and allowing attackers to access sensitive data or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers would need valid credentials, but this does not significantly mitigate the risk given that many organizations may have weak credential practices or may be subject to credential theft through various attack vectors.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through the http interface of the fortiadc appliance where users interact with the web-based management console or api endpoints that process user input. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted http requests that contain sql injection payloads designed to manipulate database queries and execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability particularly affects the appliance's ability to properly validate and sanitize input parameters that are used in backend database operations, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected fortinet fortiadc versions to address the sql injection vulnerability, along with implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of management interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to detect and prevent malicious sql injection attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure, while maintaining strict access controls and credential management practices to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to the vulnerable systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in preventing sql injection attacks, aligning with attack techniques described in the mitre attack framework under the command and control category where attackers establish persistent access through exploitation of such vulnerabilities.