CVE-2022-41328 in FortiOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2023
A improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability ('path traversal') [CWE-22] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.3, 7.0.0 through 7.0.9 and before 6.4.11 allows a privileged attacker to read and write files on the underlying Linux system via crafted CLI commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41328 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Fortinet FortiOS operating systems that affects multiple version ranges including 7.2.0 through 7.2.3, 7.0.0 through 7.0.9, and versions prior to 6.4.11. This weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, a fundamental security issue that allows attackers to access files and directories outside of the intended scope. The vulnerability manifests through crafted command line interface commands that exploit the insufficient validation of file paths, enabling malicious actors to bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the FortiOS command processing subsystem. When privileged users execute specific CLI commands, the system fails to properly sanitize or restrict file path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../ that can navigate beyond the intended file system boundaries. This flaw operates at the core level of the operating system's file handling mechanisms, where the underlying Linux system's file permissions and access controls become effectively bypassed through the exploitation of the path traversal vulnerability. The weakness exists specifically within the command execution pipeline where user-supplied input is directly processed without adequate sanitization or path validation checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical system files and potentially allows for arbitrary file read and write operations on the underlying Linux infrastructure. An attacker with privileged access can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or other confidential data that should remain protected within restricted directories. The ability to write files also presents additional risks including the potential for privilege escalation, malware deployment, or system compromise through modification of critical system components. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest Fortinet patches and firmware updates that address this specific path traversal vulnerability. Organizations must also consider network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059.004 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, demonstrating how path traversal flaws can serve as initial access vectors for broader compromise operations. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of file system permissions and implement additional logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware versions to ensure that the path traversal vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in system functionality.