Vulnerability in Fortinet FortiManager could allow remote code execution

A vulnerability has been discovered in Fortinet FortiManager that could allow remote code execution. FortiManager is a network management and security tool that enables centralized management of Fortinet devices from a single console. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution within the context of the system. Depending on the privileges associated with the service account, an attacker could then install programs; view, modify or delete data. Service accounts configured to have fewer user rights on the system might be less affected than those operating with administrative user rights.

Fortinet and CISA report that CVE-2024-47575 is exploited in the wild.

A vulnerability has been discovered in Fortinet FortiManager that could allow remote code execution. The details of this vulnerability are as follows:

Tactical: Initial access (TA0001):

Technical: Operate a public application (T1190):

• Missing authentication for a critical function vulnerability in the FortiManager fgfmd daemon could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via crafted requests. (CVE-2024-47575)

Successful exploitation could enable remote code execution within the context of the system. Depending on the privileges associated with the service account, an attacker could then install programs; view, modify or delete data. Service accounts configured to have fewer user rights on the system might be less affected than those operating with administrative user rights.

We recommend that the following actions be taken:

• Apply appropriate updates provided by Fortinet to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update software)
• Backup 7.1: Establish and maintain a vulnerability management process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for company assets. Review and update documentation annually or when significant changes within the business occur that could impact this protection.
• Safeguard 7.2: Establish and maintain a remediation process: Establish and maintain a risk-based remediation strategy, documented in a remediation process, with monthly or more frequent reviews.
• Backup 7.4: Perform automated application patch management: Perform application updates on enterprise assets with automated patch management on a monthly or more frequent basis.
• Backup 7.5: Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal company assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal company assets on a quarterly or more frequent basis. Perform authenticated and unauthenticated scans using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool.
• Backup 7.7: Fix detected vulnerabilities: Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tools on a monthly or more frequent basis, depending on the remediation process.
• Backup 12.1: Ensure network infrastructure is up to date: Make sure the network infrastructure is kept up to date. Example implementations include running the latest stable version of the software and/or using currently supported Network as a Service (NaaS) offerings. Review software versions monthly, or more frequently, to verify software support.
• Backup 18.1: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity and maturity of the company. Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, application programming interface (API), hosted services, and physical premises controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours and excluded types of attacks; contact details; corrective actions, such as how results will be communicated internally; and retrospective requirements.
• Backup 18.2: Perform periodic external penetration tests: Perform periodic external penetration testing based on program requirements, at least annually. External penetration testing should include reconnaissance of the business and environment to detect actionable information. Penetration testing requires specialist skills and experience and should be carried out by a qualified party. The test can be carried out in a transparent box or an opaque box.
• Backup 18.3: Results of corrective penetration tests: Remediate penetration test results based on company policy for scoping and prioritization of remedial actions.

• Vulnerability scanning is used to find potentially exploitable software vulnerabilities for remediation. (M1016: Vulnerability Analysis)
• Backup 16.13: Perform application penetration testing: Perform application penetration testing. For mission-critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to detecting business logic vulnerabilities than code analysis and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the tester's ability to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.

• Apply the principle of least privilege to all systems and services. Run all software as an unprivileged user (without administrative privileges) to lessen the effects of a successful attack. (M1026: Privileged account management)
• Backup 4.7: Manage default accounts on company assets and software: Manage default accounts on company assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other preconfigured vendor accounts. Example implementations may include: disabling default accounts or rendering them unusable.
• Backup 5.4: Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts: Limit administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on company assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as browsing the Internet, emailing, and using the Productivity Suite, from the user's primary, non-privileged account.
• Backup 5.5: Establish and maintain an inventory of service accounts: Establish and maintain an inventory of service accounts. The inventory must at a minimum contain the service owner, review date and purpose. Perform service account reviews to verify that all active accounts are authorized, on a recurring schedule at least quarterly or more frequently.

• Architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain all Internet-accessible services that should not be exposed from the internal network. Configure separate virtual private cloud (VPC) instances to isolate critical cloud systems. (M1030: Network segmentation)
• Backup 12.2: Establish and maintain a secure network architecture: Establish and maintain a secure network architecture. A secure network architecture must at a minimum take into account segmentation, least privilege and availability.

• Use features to detect and block conditions that could lead to or indicate the occurrence of a software exploit. (M1050: Exploit protection)
• Backup 10.5: Enable anti-exploitation features: Enable anti-exploitation features on company assets and software where possible, such as Microsoft Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Windows Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG) or Apple System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper.

• Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc. (M1021: Restrict web content)
• Backup 9.2: Use DNS filtering services: Use DNS filtering services on all company assets to block access to known malicious domains.
• Backup 9.3: Maintain and apply network-based URL filters: Apply and update network-based URL filters to prevent a business asset from connecting to potentially malicious or untrusted websites. Example implementations include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or the use of blocklists. Apply filters for all company assets.
• Backup 9.6: Block unnecessary file types: Block unnecessary file types that attempt to access the company's email gateway.

• Remind users not to visit untrustworthy websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrustworthy sources. Inform and educate users about the threats posed by hyperlinks contained in emails or attachments, especially from untrusted sources. (M1017: User training)
• Safeguarding 14.1: Establish and maintain a security awareness program: Establish and maintain a security awareness program. The goal of a security awareness program is to educate company personnel on how to interact with company assets and data securely. Organize training upon hiring and, at a minimum, once a year. Review and update the content annually or when significant changes within the business occur that could impact this protection.
• Safeguard 14.2: Train staff to recognize social engineering attacks: Train your staff to recognize social engineering attacks, such as phishing, fake text, and tailgating.