CVE-2023-48789 in FortiPortal
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
A client-side enforcement of server-side security in Fortinet FortiPortal version 6.0.0 through 6.0.14 allows attacker to improper access control via crafted HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48789 represents a critical access control flaw in Fortinet FortiPortal versions 6.0.0 through 6.0.14 that fundamentally undermines the security model of the system. This issue manifests as a client-side enforcement of server-side security mechanisms, creating a dangerous scenario where the application's security decisions are improperly validated and enforced. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of access control checks that should occur server-side but are being bypassed through crafted HTTP requests, effectively allowing unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical flaw occurs when FortiPortal fails to properly validate security contexts on the server side, instead relying on client-side controls that can be easily manipulated by attackers. This architectural weakness creates a path for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access through carefully crafted HTTP requests that exploit the flawed validation logic. The vulnerability specifically targets the enforcement of security policies that should be strictly controlled by the server but are being circumvented through client-side manipulation. This type of flaw directly corresponds to CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and functionality within the FortiPortal environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, access restricted administrative interfaces, or retrieve confidential data that should be protected by access control policies. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration, particularly in environments where FortiPortal serves as a critical security gateway or portal for network access control. This vulnerability affects organizations that rely on FortiPortal for managing network access and authentication, potentially exposing their entire network infrastructure to unauthorized access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Fortinet, which are specifically designed to address the access control enforcement issues in affected versions. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of additional security controls such as web application firewalls and enhanced logging mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their FortiPortal deployments to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred during the vulnerability window. This remediation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques, where proper patch management and access control enforcement are critical to prevent adversaries from exploiting such vulnerabilities. The incident also highlights the importance of proper server-side validation and the dangers of relying on client-side controls for security enforcement, emphasizing the need for robust security architecture practices that follow industry standards and best practices for access control implementation.