CVE-2018-13383 Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jul 10, 2022
What to do
- Install Fortinet's security update for FortiOS and FortiProxy. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Patch edge devices first — attackers often start scanning for them within hours of a fix.
- Never expose the device's admin page to the internet.
- After patching a device that was exposed, follow the vendor's compromise checks, end active sessions and change passwords.
Who is affected
Work IT. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.
What's at risk: They face the internet and guard the whole network, so a flaw here can hand attackers a way in — and these devices usually run no antivirus, so break-ins go unnoticed.
The details
- Official name
- Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy Out-of-bounds Write
- Product
- Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy
- CISA description
- A heap buffer overflow in Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy may cause the SSL VPN web service termination for logged in users.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-787)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jan 10, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Jul 10, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2018-13383 ·
Questions about CVE-2018-13383
Is CVE-2018-13383 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2018-13383 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jan 10, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2018-13383?
Install Fortinet's security update for FortiOS and FortiProxy. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Patch edge devices first — attackers often start scanning for them within hours of a fix.
Am I affected by CVE-2018-13383?
Only if you use Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.