CVE-2024-47571 in FortiManager
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
An operation on a resource after expiration or release in Fortinet FortiManager 6.4.12 through 7.4.0 allows an attacker to gain improper access to FortiGate via valid credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47571 represents a critical resource management flaw in Fortinet FortiManager versions 6.4.12 through 7.4.0 that enables unauthorized access to FortiGate devices through valid credentials. This issue falls under the category of improper resource management as defined by CWE-415, where an attacker can exploit a resource after it has been released or expired, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation and unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically affects the session management and resource handling mechanisms within the FortiManager platform, which serves as a central management console for FortiGate firewalls and other Fortinet security appliances.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker leverages valid authentication credentials to perform operations on resources that have already been released or have expired within the FortiManager system. This improper resource handling allows the attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute unauthorized operations on connected FortiGate devices. The flaw exists in the way FortiManager manages session lifecycles and resource allocation, where the system fails to properly validate resource state before allowing operations to proceed. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by authenticated users who already possess valid credentials, making it harder to detect and defend against compared to initial access vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-47571 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can potentially enable attackers to manipulate firewall policies, access sensitive network data, and disrupt security operations across the managed FortiGate environment. Organizations relying on FortiManager for centralized security management face significant risk, as this vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to their network infrastructure. The attack vector typically involves a valid user session that is manipulated to perform operations on expired or released resources, potentially allowing privilege escalation and persistent access to FortiGate configurations and network monitoring capabilities. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of security controls managed through FortiManager.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Fortinet patches and updates, implementing enhanced session management policies, and monitoring for unusual access patterns or resource operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the T1078 and T1566 tactics where attackers seek to maintain access and escalate privileges within managed environments. Security teams should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized resource operations, particularly focusing on session management anomalies and improper resource access patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure proper patch management and prevent exploitation of this and similar resource management vulnerabilities in Fortinet products and other security infrastructure components.