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

🔥 Trending now🥇 Trended No. 1📈 Trended📈 Score: 22,300👾 Exploit Exists🦅 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

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

News Articles

favicon imageInfosecurity Magazine

Fortinet Confirms Critical Zero-Day Vulnerability in Firewalls

The security provider published mitigation measures to prevent exploitation

3 days ago

favicon imageTechzine Europe

Fortinet zero-day allows hackers to access corporate networks

Fortinet warns of a critical zero-day vulnerability in their firewalls that is being actively exploited to invade corporate networks.

3 days ago

favicon imageHelp Net Security

Fortinet fixes FortiOS zero-day exploited by attackers for months (CVE-2024-55591) - Help Net Security

Fortinet has patched a FortiOS authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-55591) that has been exploited as a zero-day by attackers.

3 days 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

  • 🥇

    Vulnerability reached the number 1 worldwide trending spot

  • 📈

    Vulnerability started trending

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • 📰

    First article discovered by BleepingComputer

  • Vulnerability published

.