CVE-2024-33504 in FortiManager
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2025
A use of hard-coded cryptographic key to encrypt sensitive data vulnerability [CWE-321] in FortiManager 7.6.0 through 7.6.1, 7.4.0 through 7.4.5, 7.2.0 through 7.2.9, 7.0 all versions, 6.4 all versions may allow an attacker with JSON API access permissions to decrypt some secrets even if the 'private-data-encryption' setting is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cryptographic weakness in FortiManager systems that directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-321, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys. The flaw exists across multiple version ranges including 7.6.0 through 7.6.1, 7.4.0 through 7.4.5, 7.2.0 through 7.2.9, and all versions of 7.0 and 6.4, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted across several major releases. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the 'private-data-encryption' setting is enabled, which creates a false sense of security for administrators who believe their sensitive data is properly protected.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the use of a static, hard-coded encryption key that is embedded within the FortiManager software itself rather than dynamically generated or properly managed cryptographic keys. This approach fundamentally undermines the security model because any attacker who gains access to the JSON API with appropriate permissions can exploit this hardcoded key to decrypt sensitive information that was supposedly protected by the encryption mechanism. The vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the encryption implementation within FortiManager's data protection framework.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations that rely on FortiManager for network security management and configuration. The ability to decrypt sensitive data without proper authorization represents a severe breach of confidentiality that could expose administrative credentials, network configuration details, security policies, and other sensitive information. Attackers could potentially access critical infrastructure data that would normally be protected by encryption, leading to further exploitation opportunities including lateral movement within networks and privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates even when the system's intended encryption settings are properly configured, making it a stealthy threat that bypasses normal security controls.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to authenticated JSON API access, which means that an attacker must first gain valid credentials and permissions to make use of this weakness. However, the implications remain severe as the attack can be executed by any user with sufficient privileges to access the JSON API endpoints. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1552.006 for data manipulation, as attackers can leverage their legitimate access to extract and decrypt sensitive information. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to complete compromise of their network security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patches and updates that address this hardcoded key issue. Administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary JSON API access where possible and implementing additional access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized API usage. The principle of least privilege should be enforced strictly, limiting JSON API access to only those users who absolutely require it for their operational functions. Organizations should conduct thorough audits of their FortiManager configurations to ensure that the encryption settings are properly implemented and that no sensitive data is exposed through this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses in other network security appliances and systems within the organization's infrastructure.