CVE-2024-48890 Overview
CVE-2024-48890 is an OS command injection vulnerability [CWE-78] in the Fortinet FortiSOAR IMAP connector. Versions 3.5.7 and below improperly neutralize special elements passed to operating system commands. An authenticated attacker can execute unauthorized code or commands by supplying a specifically crafted playbook. The vulnerability affects the IMAP connector component used by FortiSOAR to interact with mail servers during automated security orchestration workflows.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with playbook access can execute arbitrary OS commands on the FortiSOAR host, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Affected Products
- Fortinet FortiSOAR IMAP connector version 3.5.7
- Fortinet FortiSOAR IMAP connector versions prior to 3.5.7
- FortiSOAR deployments using the vulnerable IMAP connector component
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-14 - CVE-2024-48890 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-48890
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in the FortiSOAR IMAP connector, a module that handles mail-related actions within FortiSOAR playbooks. The connector fails to properly sanitize input parameters before passing them to underlying operating system commands. An authenticated attacker who can create or modify playbooks can embed shell metacharacters or command sequences into connector parameters. When the playbook executes, the injected content is interpreted by the OS shell rather than treated as inert data.
Successful exploitation grants the attacker code execution in the context of the FortiSOAR service account. Because FortiSOAR orchestrates security operations across integrated systems, compromise of this host can pivot into connected infrastructure, credential stores, and downstream integrations.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78]. User-controlled fields passed to the IMAP connector are concatenated into command strings without adequate escaping, quoting, or use of safe execution APIs that separate command arguments from the command interpreter.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the FortiSOAR management interface and valid authenticated credentials with playbook authoring or execution permissions. The attacker crafts a playbook that invokes the IMAP connector with malicious parameter values containing shell metacharacters. When the playbook runs, the injected commands execute on the FortiSOAR host.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Fortinet PSIRT Advisory FG-IR-24-415 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48890
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the FortiSOAR IMAP connector service or Python worker processes
- Playbook definitions containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, backticks, or $(...) in IMAP connector parameter fields
- Outbound network connections from the FortiSOAR host to unfamiliar IP addresses shortly after playbook execution
- New or modified playbooks authored by accounts that do not normally perform playbook development
Detection Strategies
- Audit FortiSOAR playbook change logs for edits to IMAP connector configurations, especially by non-administrative users
- Monitor process execution on the FortiSOAR host for shell interpreters (/bin/sh, bash) launched as children of connector worker processes
- Correlate authentication events with playbook creation and execution events to identify anomalous authoring patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose audit logging on FortiSOAR for playbook creation, modification, and execution events
- Forward FortiSOAR audit logs and host process telemetry to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Baseline normal IMAP connector activity and alert on deviations in command-line arguments or spawned processes
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48890
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the FortiSOAR IMAP connector to a version above 3.5.7 as directed in the Fortinet PSIRT Advisory FG-IR-24-415
- Restrict playbook authoring and execution permissions to a minimal set of trusted administrators
- Review existing playbooks that use the IMAP connector for suspicious parameter content
- Rotate credentials stored in FortiSOAR if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
Fortinet has released a fixed version of the FortiSOAR IMAP connector. Consult the Fortinet PSIRT Advisory FG-IR-24-415 for the specific patched connector version and upgrade procedure applicable to your FortiSOAR deployment.
Workarounds
- Disable the IMAP connector on FortiSOAR instances where it is not required until patching is complete
- Enforce role-based access control so that only vetted users can create or modify playbooks that reference the IMAP connector
- Apply network segmentation to limit egress from the FortiSOAR host, reducing the impact of successful command injection
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
