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

9.8CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor
Fortinet
Vendor
CVE Published:
14 January 2025

Badges

🥇 Trended No. 1📈 Trended📈 Score: 23,600💰 Ransomware👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 88%🦅 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 and is known by the CISA as enabling ransomware campaigns.

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.

News Articles

New Lockbit-linked ransomware group targets Fortinet vulnerabilities

The “SuperBlack” ransomware leverages the LockBit 3.0 builder with a custom encryption tool.

2 weeks ago

New ransomware gang targets Fortinet firewalls, victim data

Researchers are tracking a newly discovered ransomware group with suspected links to LockBit after a series of intrusions were reported starting in January. Forescout said the group it's tracking as Mora_001...

2 weeks ago

CISA Adds Four Known Exploited Vulnerabilities to Catalog | CISA

CISA has added four vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, based on evidence of active exploitation. CVE-2024-55591(link is external) Fortinet FortiOS Authorization Bypass...

2 weeks ago

References

EPSS Score

88% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

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

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