CVE-2022-40684
About
An authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel [CWE-288] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.6, FortiProxy version 7.2.0 and version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.0 and 7.0.0 allows an unauthenticated atttacker to perform operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests.
Rainforest analyst review
The bug is an authentication bypass on the administrative interface: by reaching the management API through an alternate path, an unauthenticated attacker convinces FortiOS, FortiProxy, or FortiSwitchManager that the request comes from a trusted internal component, and lands with full admin rights. From there it isn’t an exploit chain — it’s just administration: add an SSH key, change the config, create an account, pivot into whatever the appliance fronts. No credentials, no phishing, no user on the other end.
What makes this one dangerous is where these devices sit. A Fortinet appliance is usually the edge — the thing between the internet and everything worth protecting — and its admin panel is frequently exposed to manage it remotely. Mass scanning began within days of disclosure and proof-of-concept code was public almost immediately. If your appliance’s management interface was ever reachable from the internet on a vulnerable build, assume it was found. Patching is step one; step two is auditing admin accounts, SSH keys, and config changes for anything you didn’t make.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/169431/Fortinet-FortiOS-FortiProxy-FortiSwitchManager-Authentication-Bypass.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171515/Fortinet-7.2.1-Authentication-Bypass.html
- https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-377
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-40684
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2022-40684?
An authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel [CWE-288] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.6, FortiProxy version 7.2.0 and version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.0 and 7.0.0 allows an unauthenticated atttacker to perform operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests.
How severe is CVE-2022-40684?
CVE-2022-40684 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 99 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2022-40684 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2022-40684?
Public advisories list the following as affected: fortios, fortiproxy, fortiswitchmanager. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2022-40684?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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