CVE-2023-27997 Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN: 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 4, 2023
What to do
- Install Fortinet's security update for FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN. 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 SSL-VPN Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
- Product
- Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN
- CISA description
- Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability which can allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute code or commands via specifically crafted requests.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-122)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jun 13, 2023 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Jul 4, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-27997 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-27997
Is CVE-2023-27997 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-27997 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jun 13, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2023-27997?
Install Fortinet's security update for FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN. 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-2023-27997?
Only if you use Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy SSL-VPN. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.