CVE-2022-35849
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on FortiADC devices by exploiting improper input sanitization in the management interface. Attackers can gain unauthorized command execution through specially crafted arguments to existing commands. Affected users include organizations running vulnerable FortiADC versions with authenticated management access.
💻 Affected Systems
- FortiADC
📦 What is this software?
Fortiadc by Fortinet
Fortiadc by Fortinet
Fortiadc by Fortinet
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with system privileges, potentially leading to data theft, lateral movement, or deployment of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers with management interface access can execute limited commands to disrupt services, modify configurations, or gain initial foothold for further exploitation.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the FortiADC device itself without lateral movement to other systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to the management interface. The vulnerability is in command argument handling, making exploitation straightforward once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 7.1.2, 7.0.4, 6.2.6, 6.1.1
Vendor Advisory: https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-310
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the appropriate firmware version from Fortinet support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload and install the firmware update via web interface or CLI. 4. Reboot the device. 5. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Management Interface Access
allLimit access to FortiADC management interface to trusted IP addresses only
config system interface
edit <interface_name>
set allowaccess https ssh
set trustedhost <trusted_ip_range>
end
Implement Network Segmentation
allIsolate FortiADC management interface on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit management interface access to authorized administrators only
- Monitor management interface logs for unusual command execution patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check FortiADC firmware version via web interface (System > Dashboard) or CLI command 'get system status'Check Version:
get system status | grep VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 7.1.2, 7.0.4, 6.2.6, or 6.1.1 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in management logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Commands with unusual arguments or special characters
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from FortiADC management interface
- Traffic patterns inconsistent with normal administrative activities
SIEM Query:
source="fortiadc" AND (event_type="command_execution" OR event_type="admin_login") AND (command="*[;|&]*" OR user="*unusual*" OR src_ip="*untrusted*")