What is CVE-2024-23113?

CVE-2024-23113 arises from improper handling of format strings in the fgfmd daemon—the component responsible for handling authentication requests and managing keep-alive messages in Fortinet’s devices. An attacker can send a specially crafted request to the daemon, enabling them to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. This vulnerability impacts Fortinet’s FortiOS versions 7.0 and above, FortiProxy 7.0 and above, and FortiPAM

How to Remove or Mitigate CVE-2024-23113

To protect your systems from CVE-2024-23113, Fortinet has released patches for the affected products. Here’s what you can do:

1. Patch immediately: Update to the latest versions of FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiPAM. The fixed versions are:

   • FortiOS: Upgrade to 7.4.3 or higher
   • FortiProxy: Upgrade to 7.4.3 or higher
   • FortiPAM: Upgrade to 1.3
     
     Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Rapid7.

2. Temporary Workarounds:

   • Disable unnecessary services: If immediate patching is not feasible, Fortinet recommends disabling the fgfmd daemon from being exposed to the internet. Limit access to trusted IP addresses to minimize the attack surface.
   • Local-in policies: Apply strict local-in policies that allow FGFM (FortiGate Manager) connections only from specific, trusted IP addresses
     
     Rapid7 SecurityWeek

3. Regular monitoring and segmentation: Use strict network segmentation and regularly monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. If exploitation activity is detected, isolate affected systems and apply patches immediately.

Impact if Exploited

If exploited, CVE-2024-23113 can have devastating consequences, including:

• Full system compromise: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to the system and execute commands with root privileges.
• Data breaches: Sensitive data may be exposed or stolen as the attacker can manipulate internal processes.
• Service disruptions: Critical network security functions can be rendered inoperative, potentially disrupting organizational operations.
• Further infiltration: Exploiting this flaw could provide attackers a foothold to deploy additional malware, ransomware, or pivot to other systems
  
  SecurityWeek BleepingComputer

How is CVE-2024-23113 Exploited?

Exploitation of CVE-2024-23113 is relatively simple due to the low complexity of the attack. A remote, unauthenticated attacker sends malicious input via crafted network packets to the vulnerable fgfmd daemon. The flaw stems from improper validation of input strings, allowing the attacker to inject executable code into the system. This type of vulnerability is especially dangerous because it does not require user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploits

Best Practices for Preventing This and Similar Vulnerabilities

Given the severity of CVE-2024-23113, organizations must adopt best practices to mitigate not only this vulnerability but also similar threats in the future:

1. Timely Patch Management:

   • Implement automated patch management tools to ensure that vulnerabilities are patched as soon as fixes are available. Fortinet products should be updated as soon as new security updates are released
     
     Rapid7

2. Vulnerability Management Programs:

   • Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Automated scanning tools and security audits can help identify and mitigate weaknesses before they are exploited
     
     NVD

3. Zero Trust Security Model:

   • Apply the Zero Trust framework by limiting access based on strict identity verification. Only authenticated and authorized devices or users should have access to critical network resources
     
     SecurityWeek

4. Network Segmentation:

   • Ensure network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach. Isolating critical systems and services reduces the attack surface
     
     BleepingComputer

5. Secure Configuration and Hardening:

   • Review and harden configurations for all network devices and servers, ensuring that only necessary services and ports are exposed to the internet
     
     Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

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