CVE-2024-55591
Published: January 14, 2025
Official Description
Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that may allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges via crafted requests to Node.js websocket module.
CISA KEV Advisory
Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that may allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges via crafted requests to Node.js websocket module.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that may allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges via crafted requests to the Node.js websocket module. The very high EPSS score of 0.94159 indicates a strong likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical vulnerability. This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog. The ability for an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain super-admin privileges makes this a severe threat.
Apply all available patches and updates for Fortinet FortiOS and FortiProxy immediately. Ensure that these devices are not directly exposed to the internet unless absolutely necessary, and implement strong access controls.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-55591 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2024-55591 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2024-55591 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1