Fortinet FortiOS Patches Released to Address Critical Pre-Auth RCE Vulnerability (CVE-2023-27997)

Fortinet FortiOS Patches Released to Address Critical Pre-Auth RCE Vulnerability (CVE-2023-27997)

Enterprise security is of utmost importance, and the discovery of critical vulnerabilities requires swift action to prevent potential exploitation. Recently, Fortinet, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, has released new versions of FortiOS for their popular Fortigate firewalls. The primary focus of these updates is to address the critical pre-auth RCE vulnerability known as CVE-2023-27997.

What is CVE-2023-27997?

Although specific details regarding CVE-2023-27997 are currently undisclosed, it is considered a critical vulnerability that affects the SSL VPN functionality of Fortigate firewalls. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution (RCE) prior to authentication, posing a significant threat to enterprise defenders. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential disruptions in business operations.

Importance of Prompt Patching

Enterprise administrators are strongly advised to upgrade their Fortigate devices as soon as possible. Fortinet has released patched versions, including FortiOS 7.2.5, 7.0.12, 6.4.13, 6.2.15, and potentially v6.0.17, to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-27997. Prompt patching is crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of your network infrastructure.

Ensuring Patch Implementation

In some cases, the FortiOS update may not appear directly in the device's dashboard. If you encounter this situation, it is recommended to either reboot the device or manually download and install the latest version of FortiOS. Taking these additional steps will ensure that your Fortigate firewalls are running the patched version and are protected against potential exploits.