CVE-2021-36177 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides insights into the improper access control vulnerability in FortiAuthenticator HA service versions 6.3.2 and below, impacting the security of systems and networks.

Understanding CVE-2021-36177

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-36177?

The vulnerability marked by CVE-2021-36177 represents an improper access control issue in FortiAuthenticator HA service versions 6.3.2 and below. It allows an attacker within the same VLAN as the HA management interface to establish an unauthenticated direct connection to the FAC's database.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36177

With a CVSS base score of 4.1, this vulnerability poses a medium severity risk. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the database, leading to potential unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36177

This section provides technical specifics regarding the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and more.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-36177 is characterized by an improper access control flaw in FortiAuthenticator HA service versions 6.3.2 and below. The vulnerability enables unauthenticated direct database access for attackers on the same VLAN as the HA management interface.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts FortiAuthenticator HA service versions 6.3.2 and below, including versions 6.2.x, 6.1.x, and 6.0.x.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers located on the same VLAN as the HA management interface can exploit this vulnerability to establish unauthorized connections to the FAC's database, potentially leading to data breaches and integrity compromises.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36177, certain immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching measures should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to restrict network access to the HA management interface, monitor network traffic for suspicious activities, and apply security updates promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict VLAN segmentation, regularly audit database access logs, and conduct security training for personnel to enhance awareness of access control best practices.

Patching and Updates

Fortinet has released patches to address the vulnerability. It is crucial for users to apply the latest security updates and firmware patches provided by the vendor to secure their systems against potential attacks.