Fortinet VPN Design Flaw: A Silent Threat to Network Security
Matilda
Fortinet VPN Design Flaw: A Silent Threat to Network Security
In today's digital landscape, secure remote access is paramount. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a crucial layer of protection by encrypting data transmissions and verifying user identities. However, a recent discovery by Pentera, a cybersecurity firm, highlights a concerning design flaw in Fortinet's VPN server that could leave organizations vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Understanding the Flaw: Authentication vs. Authorization The crux of the issue lies in the logging mechanism of the Fortinet VPN server. The login process involves two distinct stages: Authentication: This stage verifies the validity of the username and password combination provided by the user. Authorization: This stage determines if the user has the necessary permissions to establish a VPN connection. The Flaw's Impact: Concealed Success in Brute-Force Attacks Fortinet's VPN server logs successful login attempts only if both authentication and authorization are completed. Here's how attacke…
