CVE-2024-55597 in FortiWeb
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
A improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in Fortinet FortiWeb versions 7.0.0 through 7.6.0 allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via crafted requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-55597 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Fortinet FortiWeb web application firewalls, affecting versions ranging from 7.0.0 through 7.6.0. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries. The vulnerability operates by exploiting insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input that is processed within file system operations, allowing attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to access restricted file system locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when FortiWeb processes requests containing specially crafted path sequences that are not properly validated or normalized before being used in file system operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution, data exposure, or system compromise. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this weakness can facilitate privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments protected by the affected FortiWeb appliances.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-55597 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Attackers can construct malicious requests that, when processed by the vulnerable FortiWeb appliance, result in command injection scenarios. This capability significantly amplifies the threat potential, as it allows for complete system compromise and persistent access to network resources. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on FortiWeb for web application protection, potentially exposing sensitive data, disrupting services, and providing attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration. According to ATT&CK framework category T1566, this vulnerability maps to the credential harvesting and privilege escalation techniques, while also supporting T1059 for command execution and T1021 for remote services exploitation.
Organizations utilizing affected FortiWeb versions must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches and firmware updates provided by Fortinet, which typically include enhanced input validation and path normalization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous file access patterns and unusual request sequences. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with proper path validation capabilities and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar weaknesses from being introduced.