CVE-2023-33299 in FortiNAC
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2023
A deserialization of untrusted data in Fortinet FortiNAC below 7.2.1, below 9.4.3, below 9.2.8 and all earlier versions of 8.x allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted request on inter-server communication port. Note FortiNAC versions 8.x will not be fixed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33299 represents a critical deserialization flaw in Fortinet FortiNAC systems that affects multiple version branches including those below 7.2.1, 9.4.3, and 9.2.8 across all earlier 8.x releases. This issue stems from the improper handling of untrusted data during the deserialization process within the inter-server communication port functionality. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious requests that can trigger unauthorized code execution or command execution on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the server-to-server communication mechanisms that FortiNAC employs for coordinating network access control functions and managing distributed security policies.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which describes deserialization of untrusted data as a common weakness in software applications. When FortiNAC processes incoming requests through its inter-server communication port, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the serialized data received from external sources. This allows an attacker to inject malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the application, can result in arbitrary code execution. The attack vector specifically leverages the communication protocols used between FortiNAC servers in distributed deployments, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple FortiNAC servers communicate with each other to maintain consistent security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the FortiNAC server and subsequently use it as a foothold to move laterally within the network infrastructure. Since FortiNAC systems typically serve as central points for network access control and security policy enforcement, successful exploitation could result in unauthorized network access, privilege escalation, and complete bypass of security controls. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of network access control systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative privileges or execute commands with elevated system permissions.
Organizations utilizing FortiNAC versions affected by CVE-2023-33299 should immediately implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the inter-server communication ports to trusted sources only. The recommended mitigation strategy includes disabling unnecessary inter-server communication when possible, implementing strict network access controls, and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on the affected ports. However, the vulnerability is particularly concerning because FortiNAC 8.x versions will not receive fixes, meaning organizations must either upgrade to supported versions or implement compensating controls. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious serialized data, transmitting it through the inter-server port, and then leveraging the deserialization flaw to achieve code execution. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address this type of vulnerability in network access control systems.