XORtigate: FortiOS/FortiProxy SSL-VPN Heap-Based Buffer Overflow RCE
CVE-2023-27997 is a heap-based buffer overflow in the SSL-VPN component of Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy. According to the provided content, the flaw is in SSL-VPN pre-authentication request handling and can be triggered by a remote attacker via specifically crafted requests. Successful exploitation can corrupt heap memory and may allow arbitrary code or command execution on the affected device. The issue affects FortiOS 7.2.4 and below, 7.0.11 and below, 6.4.12 and below, and 6.0.16 and below, as well as FortiProxy 7.2.3 and below, 7.0.9 and below, 2.0.12 and below, and all 1.2 and 1.1 versions. The vulnerability is widely referred to as XORtigate in the supplied material.
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Impact, mitigation & remediation
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Impact
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Exploits
2 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (4 hidden).
This repository provides a Python proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2023-27997, a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Fortinet FortiGate SSL-VPN (FortiOS) devices. The exploit consists of a single main script ('fgt-cve-2023-27997-exploit.py'), a README.md with detailed usage and technical background, and a requirements.txt listing dependencies (requests, urllib3, numpy, scipy). The exploit works by first retrieving a 'salt' value from the target's '/remote/info' endpoint, then crafting a ROP chain payload (demonstrated with a ping command), encrypting it, and sending it to the vulnerable '/remote/hostcheck_validate' endpoint as the 'enc' parameter. The script is designed for authorized testing and demonstrates remote code execution (RCE) without authentication. The README provides affected version ranges for FortiOS and FortiProxy, usage instructions, and technical details about the vulnerability and exploit chain. The attack vector is network-based, targeting the SSL-VPN web interface. The exploit is a PoC and requires the attacker to specify the target IP and port.
This repository contains a proof-of-concept (POC) exploit for CVE-2023-27997, a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Fortinet FortiGate SSL VPN devices. The main file, 'exploit.py', is a heavily commented Python script that demonstrates the exploitation process, including buffer overflow and ROP chain construction, but does not provide a fully weaponized payload. The exploit requires the attacker to specify the target (host:port) and a local callback address. It uses custom SSL/TLS connections and crafts HTTP(S) requests to the '/remote/error' endpoint on the target device. The script is intended for educational purposes and does not include fingerprinting or vulnerability checks. The README.md provides a brief overview and points to a detailed blog post for further information. The exploit demonstrates the attack vector and methodology but is not directly usable for real-world attacks without further development.
Affected products & vendors
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Recent activity
34 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A FortiGate SSL-VPN vulnerability used by the MexicanMafia/PanchoVilla threat actor for initial access in Operation Escaneo.
A critical Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN heap overflow, referred to as XORtigate, used to gain initial access and deliver reverse shells.
A remote code execution vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS SSL VPN caused by a heap buffer overflow, also referred to as XORtigate.
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS/FortiProxy SSL-VPN, also referred to as XORtigate.
The version that knows your environment.
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Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
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Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
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