CVE-2022-23438 : Security Advisory and Response

Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.0.5 and prior, and 6.4.9 and prior, are affected by an improper neutralization of input during web page generation vulnerability, allowing an unauthenticated remote attacker to perform a reflected cross-site scripting attack.

Understanding CVE-2022-23438

This section dives into the details of the CVE-2022-23438 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-23438?

CVE-2022-23438 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS that may enable a remote attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23438

The vulnerability's impact is rated as low, with high attack complexity, requiring network access, and no privileges for exploitation. It can lead to a reflected XSS attack in the captive portal authentication replacement page.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23438

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2022-23438 in more detail.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts and potentially execute unauthorized code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.0.5 and prior, as well as 6.4.9 and prior, are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2022-23438, an unauthenticated remote attacker needs network access and the ability to interact with the user.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-23438.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the workaround provided by Fortinet to address the vulnerability swiftly.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update FortiOS to the latest patched versions to prevent vulnerabilities.
Educate users about safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Fortinet and promptly apply patches to secure your systems against known vulnerabilities.