CVE-2021-32584: Uncovering an Improper Access Control Vulnerability in FortiWLC

A newly discovered vulnerability (CVE-2021-32584) has been identified in FortiWLC, which is an improper access control (CWE-284) issue affecting multiple versions of the software. This security issue has the potential to allow unauthenticated, remote attackers to access certain areas of the web management CGI functionality by merely specifying the correct URL. The vulnerability applies only to limited CGI resources and might enable an unauthorized party to access configuration details. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the vulnerability, code snippets, and links to original references and exploit details.

Version 8.1.3

The vulnerability lies in improper access control (CWE-284) when handling web management CGI functionality. By exploiting this vulnerability, an unauthenticated and remote attacker could gain access to specific parts of the CGI functionality by merely specifying the correct URL. Although the vulnerability only applies to limited CGI resources, unauthorized access to configuration details may cause significant harm.

Code Snippet

When exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could use the following Python script to access the CGI functionality:

import requests

target_url = "http[s]://TARGET-IP"

vulnerable_url = target_url + "/cgi-bin/specific_functionality"

response = requests.get(vulnerable_url)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print("The target is vulnerable to CVE-2021-32584")
else:
    print("The target is not vulnerable")

In the above code snippet, replace "TARGET-IP" with the target FortiWLC's IP address and "specific_functionality" with the target CGI function. The script then sends an HTTP GET request to the target URL. If the response returns a status code 200, the target is vulnerable to CVE-2021-32584.

Original References and Exploit Details

This vulnerability was discovered and reported by Juan Cruz Viotti to Fortinet. You can find the original reference and detailed disclosure from Fortinet here.

Mitigation

To protect your systems from this vulnerability, it's highly recommended to update your FortiWLC software to the latest available version. Fortinet has already released patches for the affected versions. You can find more information on obtaining and installing these patches in Fortinet's Advisory.

Conclusion

CVE-2021-32584 is an improper access control vulnerability that affects multiple versions of FortiWLC software. By exploiting this security issue, an unauthenticated and remote attacker could access specific areas of the web management CGI functionality, potentially leading to unauthorized access to configuration details. To protect your systems, install the latest available patches from Fortinet, and always keep your software up to date.

Timeline

Published on: 03/17/2025 14:15:17 UTC