CVE-2024-33501 in FortiManager
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
Two improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability [CWE-89] in Fortinet FortiAnalyzer version 7.4.0 through 7.4.2 and before 7.2.5, FortiManager version 7.4.0 through 7.4.2 and before 7.2.5 and FortiAnalyzer-BigData version 7.4.0 and before 7.2.7 allows a privileged attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted CLI requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw that affects multiple fortinet security appliances including fortianalyzer fortimanager and fortianalyzer-bigdata products. The issue stems from improper neutralization of special elements within sql commands, specifically categorized as cwe-89 which directly maps to sql injection vulnerabilities. The affected versions span fortianalyzer 7.4.0 through 7.4.2 and before 7.2.5, fortimanager 7.4.0 through 7.4.2 and before 7.2.5, and fortianalyzer-bigdata 7.4.0 and before 7.2.7. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with privileged access to execute unauthorized code or commands through specially crafted command line interface requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted cli request containing sql injection payloads is processed by the affected fortinet appliances. The improper neutralization means that special sql characters and sequences are not properly escaped or sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended sql command execution flow and inject their own malicious sql statements. The attack requires privileged access to the system since the vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation vector, meaning only authenticated users with appropriate permissions can leverage this flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with unauthorized code execution capabilities on the affected appliances. This could enable full compromise of the security devices, allowing attackers to access sensitive configuration data, modify security policies, or even establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects critical security infrastructure components that typically process administrative commands and user requests, making it particularly dangerous for network security operations. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could compromise their entire security monitoring and management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to the patched releases mentioned in the advisory, specifically fortianalyzer 7.2.5, fortimanager 7.2.5, and fortianalyzer-bigdata 7.2.7. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these administrative interfaces, enforce strict access controls and monitoring of cli activities, and conduct thorough security assessments of their fortinet deployments. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and sql injection detection mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack framework under privilege escalation and command execution categories, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining security infrastructure with these vulnerable versions.