CVE-2024-55591KEV · OVERDUECWE-288

Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Critical · published January 14, 2025

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it critical at 9.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.9th percentile for exploit probability.

640
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
94%
Percentile
99.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 An unsuspecting websocket can turn your FortiOS into a playground for attackers! A single crafted request is all it takes to bypass authentication completely and gain super-admin privileges! 🔥 Think of it like a secret entrance to a VIP lounge that bypasses the bouncer. An attacker can stroll right in without a valid ticket, enjoying all the exclusive perks without any authorization checks! This vulnerability is absolutely devastating — an attacker exploiting it could gain unrestricted access to your network and sensitive data. With super-admin privileges, they can modify settings, steal information, or even disable your security measures completely. The consequences could be catastrophic!

Put simply

Think of it like a secret entrance to a VIP lounge that bypasses the bouncer. An attacker can stroll right in without a valid ticket, enjoying all the exclusive perks without any authorization checks! CVE-2024-55591 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via crafted requests to the Node.js websocket module, affecting FortiOS versions 7.0.0 through 7.0.16 and FortiProxy versions 7.0.0 through 7.0.19 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.12.

What to do

This vulnerability is absolutely devastating — an attacker exploiting it could gain unrestricted access to your network and sensitive data. With super-admin privileges, they can modify settings, steal information, or even disable your security measures completely. The consequences could be catastrophic! Immediate action is paramount! Patch your systems to the latest version — FortiOS to 7.0.17 or higher, and FortiProxy to 7.0.20 or higher. Additionally, review your access controls and monitor logs for any suspicious activity. Don't wait! You’ve got this! Just follow these steps and secure your system like a pro! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.94350 · 99.9th percentile
Weakness
CWE-288 · Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel
Published
2025-01-14T19:15Z
KEV added
2025-01-14 · due 2025-01-21
Affected products (3)
ProductVersionsFixed in
fortinet/fortiproxy≥ 7.0.0, < 7.0.207.0.20
fortinet/fortiproxy≥ 7.2.0, < 7.2.137.2.13
fortinet/fortios≥ 7.0.0, < 7.0.177.0.17
References (2)
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 14 JAN 14:08Z
    An Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability [CWE-288] affecting FortiOS version 7.0.0 through 7.0.16 and FortiProxy version 7.0.0…
    cvelistv5
  • 14 JAN 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jan 21
    kev