CVE-2024-48890 in FortiSOAR
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
An improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command ('OS Command Injection') vulnerability [CWE-78] in FortiSOAR IMAP connector version 3.5.7 and below may allow an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via a specifically crafted playbook
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48890 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within the FortiSOAR IMAP connector component. This issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently incorporated into operating system commands without proper neutralization. The vulnerability affects versions 3.5.7 and earlier of the FortiSOAR IMAP connector, making all installations within this version range susceptible to exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests when authenticated attackers craft malicious playbooks that contain specially formatted input data designed to manipulate command execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands as a fundamental security weakness in command injection attacks. When the IMAP connector processes playbook data containing unescaped special characters, these elements can be interpreted by the underlying operating system shell as command separators, argument delimiters, or execution operators. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the FortiSOAR service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The authenticated nature of the attack requires an attacker to have valid credentials within the FortiSOAR environment, but once achieved, the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to full command execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the entire IMAP connector functionality and potentially access underlying system resources. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute commands that read sensitive configuration files, extract email data, modify system settings, or even establish persistent backdoors within the FortiSOAR environment. The implications are particularly severe in security operations centers where FortiSOAR serves as a central orchestration platform, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to critical security automation workflows and threat intelligence data. The vulnerability also poses risks to email infrastructure integration, potentially allowing attackers to harvest credentials or exfiltrate sensitive email communications through the compromised IMAP connector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48890 should prioritize immediate version upgrading to FortiSOAR IMAP connector versions 3.5.8 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization measures within their playbook development processes, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes comprehensive filtering before being processed by system components. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices should be reinforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, with particular attention to unusual email processing activities or system command invocations. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of updated systems to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed and that existing functionality remains intact. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for FortiSOAR service accounts and establish robust change management procedures for playbook modifications to prevent unauthorized code injection attempts.