CVE-2023-33302 in FortiNDR
Summary
by MITRE • 03/31/2025
A buffer copy without checking size of input ('classic buffer overflow') in Fortinet FortiMail webmail and administrative interface version 6.4.0 through 6.4.4 and before 6.2.6 and FortiNDR administrative interface version 7.2.0 and before 7.1.0 allows an authenticated attacker with regular webmail access to trigger a buffer overflow and to possibly execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that exists within Fortinet FortiMail and FortiNDR administrative interfaces. The flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests without proper input validation or size checking mechanisms, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted payloads. The vulnerability affects specific version ranges including FortiMail 6.4.0 through 6.4.4 and before 6.2.6, alongside FortiNDR 7.2.0 and before 7.1.0, making these systems particularly susceptible to exploitation by authenticated users who possess regular webmail access privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during buffer operations within the webmail and administrative interfaces. When legitimate HTTP requests are processed, the application fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic software flaw allows attackers to overflow these buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121 which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as a fundamental weakness in software design that enables arbitrary code execution through memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides authenticated attackers with the capability to execute unauthorized commands or code on affected systems. An attacker with regular webmail access can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges or gain full system control, depending on the execution environment and memory protections in place. This represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on Fortinet mail security solutions, as the attack vector requires only basic user credentials rather than administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user access is more broadly distributed.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and code execution tactics, specifically targeting the web application layer where user authentication occurs. Attackers can craft HTTP requests that exploit the buffer overflow condition to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory structures, potentially leading to remote code execution. This vulnerability type also intersects with defense evasion techniques since successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system behavior or hide their activities within the compromised environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from Fortinet, which address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other applications within the network infrastructure, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many legacy applications and systems.