CVE-2021-24005 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24005, a vulnerability found in FortiAuthenticator versions before 6.3.0 that could lead to sensitive data decryption through the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys.

Understanding CVE-2021-24005

CVE-2021-24005 pertains to the usage of hard-coded cryptographic keys in FortiAuthenticator versions before 6.3.0, presenting a risk of data exposure to attackers.

What is CVE-2021-24005?

The vulnerability involves the encryption of configuration files and debug logs using hard-coded keys in FortiAuthenticator versions earlier than 6.3.0, potentially allowing unauthorized decryption by malicious actors with access to the necessary files or CLI configurations.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24005

With a CVSS base score of 4 (Medium Severity), the vulnerability could result in information disclosure due to the exposure of sensitive data encrypted with hard-coded keys.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24005

In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

FortiAuthenticator versions before 6.3.0 utilize hard-coded cryptographic keys to encrypt configuration files and debug logs. This can enable threat actors to decrypt sensitive data if they gain access to these files or CLI configuration.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts FortiAuthenticator versions prior to 6.3.0, making them susceptible to data decryption attacks leveraging the hard-coded keys.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging their knowledge of the hard-coded keys to decrypt sensitive information stored in configuration files and debug logs.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps users and organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24005 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Promptly updating FortiAuthenticator to version 6.3.0 or newer can mitigate the vulnerability by removing the dependency on hard-coded cryptographic keys for encryption.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting strong encryption practices, implementing access controls, and regularly monitoring for unauthorized access can enhance overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches provided by Fortinet to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24005 and ensure the software is up to date with the latest security enhancements.