CVE-2024-32122 in FortiOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2025
A storing passwords in a recoverable format in Fortinet FortiOS 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, FortiOS 7.2 all versions, FortiOS 7.0 all versions, FortiOS 6.4 all versions allows attacker to information disclosure via modification of LDAP server IP to point to a malicious server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2025
This vulnerability exists in Fortinet FortiOS versions ranging from 7.4.0 through 7.4.8 down to version 6.4 across multiple release lines, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of password storage within the LDAP authentication framework, where credentials are stored in a recoverable format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. This design flaw creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit through manipulation of LDAP server configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to modify LDAP server IP addresses within the FortiOS configuration to point toward malicious servers they control. When the system attempts to authenticate users against this modified LDAP configuration, the stored passwords in recoverable format become accessible to the attacker. This represents a direct violation of security best practices for credential storage and configuration management. The flaw specifically relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and aligns with CWE-259, addressing weak password storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain access to legitimate user credentials without requiring additional authentication vectors. Once an attacker successfully modifies the LDAP server configuration, they can intercept and retrieve password information from the system's memory or configuration files. This capability directly supports the ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves credential access through social engineering and system manipulation, and T1078, which encompasses valid accounts usage and legitimate credential exploitation. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor pathway for credential theft that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement configuration changes to restrict LDAP server modification capabilities and enforce strict access controls over system configuration. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper password encryption mechanisms, establishing network segmentation to isolate LDAP configurations, and deploying monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all LDAP configurations and implement regular credential rotation policies. Additionally, the deployment of network intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection solutions can help identify attempts to modify LDAP server parameters. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent lateral movement and credential compromise within network environments.