CVE-2024-54026: Fortinet FortiSandbox SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2024-54026 Overview

CVE-2024-54026 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting Fortinet FortiSandbox and FortiSandbox Cloud. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. Authenticated attackers can execute unauthorized code or commands by sending specifically crafted HTTP requests to the appliance.

The issue affects FortiSandbox 4.4.0 through 4.4.6, all versions of FortiSandbox 4.2, 4.0, 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0, and FortiSandbox Cloud 24.1. Fortinet has published a security advisory tracking the issue as FG-IR-24-353.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code or commands on FortiSandbox appliances via crafted HTTP requests, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the sandbox and any threat intelligence it holds.

Affected Products

Fortinet FortiSandbox 4.4.0 through 4.4.6
Fortinet FortiSandbox 4.2, 4.0, 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0 (all versions)
Fortinet FortiSandbox Cloud 24.1

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-11 - CVE-2024-54026 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-54026

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a classic SQL injection flaw classified under [CWE-89]. FortiSandbox fails to properly neutralize special characters in user-supplied input before incorporating that input into SQL statements. An authenticated attacker can send HTTP requests containing malicious SQL fragments to affected endpoints on the appliance.

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to break out of the intended query context. This enables unauthorized data retrieval, modification of stored records, and, according to Fortinet's advisory, execution of unauthorized code or commands on the underlying system. FortiSandbox is a threat analysis appliance, so compromise exposes malware samples and analysis results to adversaries.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or inadequate input sanitization on parameters passed into SQL queries within FortiSandbox's HTTP-facing management interface. The application concatenates untrusted input into query strings rather than using parameterized statements or strict allow-list validation. This design flaw permits attacker-controlled data to be interpreted as SQL syntax.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access to the FortiSandbox management interface and valid low-privilege credentials. The attacker sends specifically crafted HTTP requests to a vulnerable endpoint, embedding SQL metacharacters and payload logic into a parameter. The backend processes the tainted input as part of a SQL statement, executing attacker-controlled logic. Because the vulnerability leads to unauthorized command execution, chained impact extends beyond the database layer.

No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available at the time of writing. See the Fortinet Security Advisory FG-IR-24-353 for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54026

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected HTTP requests to FortiSandbox management endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION, SELECT, or comment sequences (--, /*).
Unusual database query patterns, error responses, or elevated CPU on the FortiSandbox appliance following authenticated sessions from unexpected source IPs.
New or modified administrative accounts, unfamiliar scheduled tasks, or unexplained outbound connections from the appliance.

Detection Strategies

Enable and forward FortiSandbox HTTP access and audit logs to a centralized SIEM for inspection of query parameters and request bodies.
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that inspect authenticated traffic to the FortiSandbox management interface for SQL injection signatures.
Correlate authentication events with post-login request patterns to identify low-privilege accounts issuing anomalous parameterized requests.

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on any FortiSandbox account performing administrative-like actions immediately after authenticating from a new geolocation or ASN.
Monitor outbound connections from FortiSandbox appliances; the sandbox should not initiate arbitrary egress to attacker-controlled infrastructure.
Track version and patch state of every FortiSandbox instance and flag any device still running vulnerable firmware.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54026

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade FortiSandbox to a fixed version as specified in FG-IR-24-353. Fortinet's advisory lists remediated builds for each affected branch.
Restrict network access to the FortiSandbox management interface to trusted administrative networks only.
Rotate credentials for all FortiSandbox user accounts and enforce multi-factor authentication where supported.
Audit account activity and administrator logs for signs of pre-patch exploitation.

Patch Information

Fortinet released fixed firmware for affected FortiSandbox branches. Consult FG-IR-24-353 for the exact upgrade paths and target versions. FortiSandbox Cloud 24.1 customers should confirm with Fortinet that their tenant has been remediated.

Workarounds

If immediate patching is not possible, place the management interface behind a VPN or jump host and block all direct access from untrusted networks.
Remove or disable unnecessary low-privilege accounts to reduce the authenticated attack surface.
Apply strict egress filtering to prevent the appliance from reaching arbitrary internet destinations.

bash

# Example: restrict FortiSandbox management access via upstream firewall ACL
# Replace with your management subnet and appliance IP
allow tcp from 10.10.0.0/24 to 192.0.2.10 port 443
deny  tcp from any            to 192.0.2.10 port 443