Remote Attackers Can Gain Super-Admin Privileges via Crafted Requests to Node.js Websocket Module
CVE-2024-55591

9.8CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor
Fortinet
Status
FortiOS
Fortiproxy
Vendor
CVE Published:
14 January 2025

Badges

🥇 Trended No. 1📈 Trended📈 Score: 23,600💰 Ransomware👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🦅 CISA Reported📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-55591?

CVE-2024-55591 is a security vulnerability found in Fortinet's FortiOS and FortiProxy platforms, which are designed to provide advanced network security services. This flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the Node.js websocket module by sending specially crafted requests, leading to an authentication bypass. If successfully exploited, the vulnerability grants attackers super-admin privileges, posing a significant threat to the integrity and security of affected systems within an organization.

Technical Details

The vulnerability falls under the category of Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel (CWE-288). It affects specific versions of FortiOS (7.0.0 through 7.0.16) and FortiProxy (7.0.0 through 7.0.19 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.12). Attackers can manipulate the websocket communication to bypass security measures, thereby gaining unauthorized access and control over the affected systems. This vulnerability is particularly critical due to the potential for highly privileged access offered to attackers.

Potential impact of CVE-2024-55591

  1. Unauthorized Access: The ability for attackers to gain super-admin privileges means they can access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially disrupt service operations.

  2. Data Breach Risks: With elevated privileges, an attacker could exfiltrate or leak sensitive information, leading to severe reputational damage and legal repercussions for the affected organization.

  3. System Compromise: The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to install malware or conduct further attacks within the network, increasing the risk of ransomware deployment and other malicious activities.

CISA Reported

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace as recent news articles suggest the vulnerability is being used by ransomware groups.

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

FortiOS 7.0.0 <= 7.0.16

FortiProxy 7.2.0 <= 7.2.12

FortiProxy 7.0.0 <= 7.0.19

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

exp-cmd-add-admin-vpn-CVE-2024-55591
Created by robomusk52

Private-CVE-2024-55591.
Created by amfg145

CVE-2024-55591
Created by virus-or-not

News Articles

favicon imageBleepingComputer

Fortinet warns of new zero-day exploited to hijack firewalls

Fortinet warned today that attackers are exploiting another authentication bypass zero-day bug in FortiOS and FortiProxy to hijack Fortinet firewalls and breach enterprise networks.

2 weeks ago

favicon imageBleepingComputer

Fortinet discloses second firewall auth bypass patched in January

Fortinet warned today that attackers are exploiting another now-patched zero-day bug in FortiOS and FortiProxy to hijack Fortinet firewalls and breach enterprise networks.

2 weeks ago

favicon imageCybersecurityNews

Hackers Allegedly Selling Fortinet Vulnerability Exploit on Dark Web Forums

A significant cybersecurity threat has emerged as hackers on a prominent Russian dark web forum claim to be selling an active exploit targeting Fortinet devices.The exploit reportedly leverages a critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-55591, which affects FortiOS versions 7.0.0 through 7.0.16. 

3 weeks ago

References

https://fortiguard.fortinet.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-535

CVSS V3.1

Score:
9.8
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 💰

    Used in Ransomware

  • 🥇

    Vulnerability reached the number 1 worldwide trending spot

  • 📈

    Vulnerability started trending

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • 📰

    First article discovered by BleepingComputer

  • Vulnerability published

.