CVE-2022-40676 in FortiNAC
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2023
A improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('cross-site scripting') in Fortinet FortiNAC versions 9.4.0, 9.2.0 through 9.2.5, 9.1.0 through 9.1.8, 8.8.0 through 8.8.11, 8.7.0 through 8.7.6, 8.6.0 through 8.6.5, 8.5.0 through 8.5.4, 8.3.7 allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specially crafted http requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2023
This cross-site scripting vulnerability in Fortinet FortiNAC represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists in multiple versions of the FortiNAC platform, specifically affecting versions 9.4.0, 9.2.0 through 9.2.5, 9.1.0 through 9.1.8, 8.8.0 through 8.8.11, 8.7.0 through 8.7.6, 8.6.0 through 8.6.5, and 8.5.0 through 8.5.4. The flaw occurs during the web page generation process where user input is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered in web interfaces, creating an avenue for persistent cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic XSS vulnerability that can be exploited through malicious HTTP requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute unauthorized code or commands on affected systems. An attacker could craft specially crafted HTTP requests that, when processed by the vulnerable FortiNAC system, would inject malicious scripts into web pages served to legitimate users. This could enable session hijacking, data theft, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise depending on the victim's role and permissions within the network. The vulnerability affects the web-based administrative interface of FortiNAC, which is typically used by network administrators and security personnel, making it particularly dangerous as attackers could potentially gain elevated privileges or access sensitive network information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) as attackers could leverage the XSS to deliver malicious payloads or establish persistent access through command execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to understand the web application architecture of FortiNAC and craft HTTP requests that include malicious script payloads in parameters that are later reflected in web pages. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify web page content, or inject malicious JavaScript that could interact with the underlying network management functions. The vulnerability affects the user-facing web interface components of FortiNAC, particularly those handling user input for dynamic page generation, which aligns with the OWASP Top Ten category A03: Injection and A07: Identification and Authentication Failures. Organizations using FortiNAC systems are advised to implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available versions, implementing web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should also be enforced to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.