CVE-2023-40716 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2023-40716, an OS command injection vulnerability in FortiTester versions 2.3.0 through 7.2.3. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps to prevent unauthorized command execution.
A command injection vulnerability has been identified in FortiTester versions 2.3.0 through 7.2.3, potentially allowing an authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized commands. Here's what you should know about CVE-2023-40716.
Understanding CVE-2023-40716
This section provides an overview of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2023-40716?
The vulnerability is classified as an improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (CWE-78). It exists in the command line interpreter of FortiTester versions 2.3.0 through 7.2.3, enabling authenticated attackers to execute unauthorized commands by providing specially crafted arguments during the execution of 'restore/backup' commands.
The Impact of CVE-2023-40716
The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It has a low attack complexity and requires high privileges. Successful exploitation could result in high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-40716
Here are the specific technical details surrounding this vulnerability:
Vulnerability Description
An improper neutralization of special elements allows authenticated attackers to execute unauthorized commands via specific arguments in FortiTester's command line interpreter.
Affected Systems and Versions
FortiTester versions 2.3.0 through 7.2.3 are affected by this vulnerability, with various other versions also vulnerable.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this vulnerability by providing crafted arguments during the execution of 'restore/backup' commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-40716 is crucial for maintaining system security.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to upgrade to FortiTester version 7.3.0 or above to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized command execution.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing least privilege access, regular system patching, and security monitoring can help prevent and detect similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Fortinet to address known vulnerabilities promptly.