CVE-2022-40679 in FortiADC
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2023
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiADC 5.x all versions, 6.0 all versions, 6.1 all versions, 6.2.0 through 6.2.4, 7.0.0 through 7.0.3, 7.1.0; FortiDDoS 4.x all versions, 5.0 all versions, 5.1 all versions, 5.2 all versions, 5.3 all versions, 5.4 all versions, 5.5 all versions, 5.6 all versions and FortiDDoS-F 6.4.0, 6.3.0 through 6.3.3, 6.2.0 through 6.2.2, 6.1.0 through 6.1.4 may allow an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized commands via specifically crafted arguments to existing commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw that affects multiple Fortinet network security appliances including FortiADC and FortiDDoS products across numerous version ranges. The issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input when processing commands, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary operating system commands through carefully crafted arguments. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-78 which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous security incidents throughout the industry.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to leverage existing command interfaces within the Fortinet appliances to execute unauthorized operations on the underlying operating system. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to commands that are subsequently passed to the operating system shell without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a pathway for command injection attacks where malicious payloads can be executed with the privileges of the affected service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication, meaning that attackers who can establish a valid session with the appliance can exploit this weakness without requiring additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. Given that FortiADC and FortiDDoS appliances typically serve as critical components in network traffic management and distributed denial-of-service protection, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant service disruption and potential data breaches. The attack surface is particularly wide given the multiple affected versions across different product lines, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise enterprise network security infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Fortinet, implementing network segmentation to limit access to these appliances, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system utilities to execute malicious code. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and following the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying command injection attempts and establishing comprehensive monitoring protocols for these critical network devices.