CVE-2024-31493 in FortiSOAR
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
An improper removal of sensitive information before storage or transfer vulnerability [CWE-212] in FortiSOAR version 7.3.0, version 7.2.2 and below, version 7.0.3 and below may allow an authenticated low privileged user to read Connector passwords in plain-text via HTTP responses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31493 represents a critical weakness in FortiSOAR's information handling practices that directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-212. This improper removal of sensitive information before storage or transfer flaw affects multiple versions of the FortiSOAR platform including version 7.3.0 and below, 7.2.2 and below, and 7.0.3 and below. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of connector passwords within the system's HTTP response mechanisms, creating a significant exposure point that undermines the confidentiality of sensitive authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users with low privilege levels can manipulate the system to retrieve connector passwords that should be protected during storage and transmission processes. This flaw exists because the platform fails to properly sanitize or remove sensitive data from HTTP responses before these responses are processed or transmitted to external systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it does not require elevated privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who have legitimate access to the system but should not have the ability to extract confidential information. The plain-text exposure of connector passwords through HTTP responses creates a direct pathway for unauthorized access to integrated security systems and applications that rely on these credentials for authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for organizations using FortiSOAR platforms, as it allows for credential theft without requiring sophisticated attack vectors or extensive reconnaissance. The impact extends beyond simple password exposure, as connector passwords often provide access to critical infrastructure components, cloud services, and other security tools within the organization's ecosystem. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 which focuses on credentials in files, and demonstrates how improper handling of sensitive information can create persistent access points for threat actors. The exposure of these credentials through HTTP responses creates a particularly dangerous scenario where even basic network monitoring tools could potentially capture the sensitive data, as it is transmitted in an unencrypted format.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing strict access controls, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of HTTP response data, and applying the latest security patches provided by Fortinet. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and ensuring that all data handling processes properly implement data sanitization techniques. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their FortiSOAR implementations to identify and remediate similar information handling issues throughout their security infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in data processing can create significant security risks. The proper implementation of secure coding practices and regular security testing can help prevent similar issues from occurring in other systems within the organization's security ecosystem.