CVE-2023-26206 in FortiNAC
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2024
An improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('cross-site scripting') in Fortinet FortiNAC 9.4.0 - 9.4.2, 9.2.0 - 9.2.8, 9.1.0 - 9.1.10 and 7.2.0 allows an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via the name fields observed in the policy audit logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26206 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Fortinet FortiNAC platforms across multiple version ranges including 9.4.0-9.4.2, 9.2.0-9.2.8, 9.1.0-9.1.10, and 7.2.0. This weakness manifests in the improper neutralization of input during web page generation processes, specifically affecting name fields within policy audit logs. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input that gets reflected back in the web interface without proper encoding or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the affected web application through carefully crafted input submitted via name fields in policy audit logs. When these logs are displayed in the web interface, the malicious scripts execute in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution or command injection. The flaw operates as a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows directly from user input through the application's processing to the user's browser without adequate sanitization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting conditions where input is not properly neutralized for the target context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable full compromise of the affected FortiNAC system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. Given that FortiNAC serves as a network access control solution, successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the web-based management interface of FortiNAC, making it accessible to attackers who can submit malicious input through legitimate administrative functions or user interactions with the policy audit logging features.
Organizations utilizing affected FortiNAC versions face significant risk exposure since the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication for the initial attack vector. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that policy audit logs are routinely accessed by administrators and security personnel during routine operations, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Fortinet's official patches and updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of web application traffic can serve as additional defensive measures while waiting for official patches. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help reduce the attack surface, though these measures should not be considered complete solutions. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their FortiNAC implementations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper input sanitization throughout the application's processing pipeline.