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A recently identified security flaw in FortiOS and FortiProxy versions exposes a significant vulnerability known as “Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel” (CWE-288). This vulnerability, which affects versions ranging from FortiOS 7.0.0 through 7.0.16 and FortiProxy 7.2.0 through 7.2.12 (and some others), enables a remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges by exploiting crafted CSF proxy requests. The discovery of this flaw has raised alarm bells in the cybersecurity community, given its potential for exploitation.
the CVE Details
- Vulnerability Type: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel [CWE-288].
– Affected Versions:
– FortiOS: 7.0.0 to 7.0.16
– FortiProxy: 7.2.0 to 7.2.12, 7.0.0 to 7.0.19
– Severity: High (CVSS 8.1)
- Description: The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication through specially crafted CSF proxy requests, potentially granting them super-admin access.
– CVSS Score & Vector:
– Base Score: 8.1
– Severity: High
– Vector String: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:X/RC:C`
- Potential Impact: Attackers gaining super-admin privileges can control the affected system, leading to data leakage, system manipulation, or complete takeovers.
- Resolution Status: Affected versions are in need of immediate security patches.
What Undercode Says:
This vulnerability highlights the importance of properly securing authentication mechanisms, especially in products like FortiOS and FortiProxy that manage critical network functions. With a CVSS score of 8.1, this flaw is considered highly severe, and it should be prioritized by organizations that rely on these systems. The fact that a remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without needing prior authentication makes it particularly dangerous. This level of access could be used for malicious activities such as system control, data theft, or installing backdoors.
A key issue here is the reliance on proxy requests, which can be manipulated by attackers to bypass standard authentication protocols. As a result, organizations using FortiOS or FortiProxy versions between 7.0.0 and 7.0.19 should immediately check if their systems are vulnerable and apply any available patches to mitigate this risk. Fortinet, the company behind these systems, is expected to release updates to address the issue, but administrators should take proactive steps to secure their networks in the meantime.
The vulnerability, once exploited, gives attackers super-admin privileges. This allows for unrestricted access to the system, which could lead to severe consequences such as data manipulation, loss of integrity, or denial of service. Given the high severity rating of this flaw, it’s not just a potential threat to small networks but could also impact large enterprise environments.
Fact Checker Results:
- Fact 1: The flaw allows remote exploitation via specially crafted proxy requests.
- Fact 2: FortiOS and FortiProxy versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.19 are vulnerable.
- Fact 3: Patches and updates from Fortinet are recommended for all affected systems.
References:
Reported By: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-24472
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