CVE-2024-35281
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to inject code via Electron environment variables in Fortinet desktop applications. It affects FortiClientMac versions 7.4.2 and below, 7.2.8 and below, all 7.0 versions, and FortiVoiceUCDesktop 3.0 all versions. Attackers must already have authenticated access to the system.
💻 Affected Systems
- FortiClientMac
- FortiVoiceUCDesktop
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Authenticated attacker gains code execution with user privileges, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Authenticated user with malicious intent executes arbitrary code within their privilege level, compromising local system integrity.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege, impact limited to authenticated user's own environment with minimal system-wide effects.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of Electron environment variable manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: FortiClientMac 7.4.3 or later, 7.2.9 or later; FortiVoiceUCDesktop 3.0.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://fortiguard.fortinet.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-025
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest version from Fortinet support portal. 2. Install update following vendor instructions. 3. Restart system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict user privileges
allImplement least privilege principle to limit authenticated users' ability to modify environment variables.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove affected applications from critical systems
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for authenticated users
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check application version in About dialog or via command line: /Applications/FortiClient.app/Contents/MacOS/FortiClient --versionCheck Version:
/Applications/FortiClient.app/Contents/MacOS/FortiClient --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 7.4.3+ or 7.2.9+ for FortiClientMac, or 3.0.1+ for FortiVoiceUCDesktop📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process spawning from Fortinet applications
- Modification of Electron environment variables
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FortiClient" AND parent_process:electron