CVE-2025-54659: FortiSOAR Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-54659 Overview

CVE-2025-54659 is a Path Traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) affecting Fortinet FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to read files accessible to the fortisoar user on systems where the agent is deployed by sending crafted requests to the agent port. The improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory enables attackers to escape intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can read arbitrary files accessible to the fortisoar user, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, credentials, and security-related information on affected systems.

Affected Products

• Fortinet FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge version 1.1.0
• Fortinet FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge version 1.0 (all versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-10 - CVE-2025-54659 published to NVD
• 2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-54659

Vulnerability Analysis

This Path Traversal vulnerability exists in the Fortinet FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge component, which facilitates communication between FortiSOAR and deployed agents. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input when processing file path requests through the agent port.

When an attacker sends a specially crafted request containing directory traversal sequences (such as ../), the application fails to properly sanitize or restrict the pathname. This allows the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without authentication, meaning any network-accessible attacker can attempt to read files on the target system.

The scope of accessible files is limited to those readable by the fortisoar user account, which may include configuration files, log files, and potentially sensitive operational data related to the SOAR platform deployment.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (CWE-22). The FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge fails to properly validate and sanitize file path parameters in incoming requests. The application does not adequately filter or block directory traversal sequences, allowing attackers to construct paths that escape the intended working directory and access arbitrary files within the permissions scope of the fortisoar user.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker with network access to the agent port can exploit this vulnerability by crafting HTTP or API requests containing path traversal sequences. The attack flow typically involves:

1. Identifying a FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge endpoint accessible over the network
2. Crafting a malicious request containing directory traversal patterns (e.g., ../../etc/passwd)
3. Sending the request to the agent port
4. Receiving the contents of the targeted file in the response

Since the vulnerability affects a security orchestration platform, successful exploitation could expose sensitive security configurations, automation playbooks, integration credentials, or other critical information that could be leveraged for further attacks.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54659

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual network requests to the FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge port containing ../ or URL-encoded traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f)
• Log entries showing attempts to access files outside the expected application directories
• Anomalous file read operations by the fortisoar user process targeting system files like /etc/passwd, /etc/shadow, or configuration files
• Unexpected outbound data transfers from systems running the Agent Communication Bridge

Detection Strategies

• Implement network-level monitoring to detect requests containing path traversal patterns in HTTP headers or request bodies
• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on directory traversal attack signatures targeting FortiSOAR components
• Enable detailed logging on the Agent Communication Bridge and monitor for file access patterns outside normal operational directories
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor file system access by the fortisoar process

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline network traffic patterns for FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge and alert on deviations
• Configure SIEM rules to correlate multiple failed traversal attempts from single source IPs
• Monitor system audit logs for file access events triggered by the fortisoar service account
• Implement real-time alerting for any access attempts to sensitive system configuration files

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54659

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the FortiGuard Security Advisory for official patch information and apply available updates
• Restrict network access to the FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge port to only trusted management networks
• Implement firewall rules to limit which systems can communicate with the agent port
• Audit systems running affected versions for signs of exploitation
• Consider temporarily disabling the Agent Communication Bridge if not operationally critical until patches are applied

Patch Information

Fortinet has published security advisory FG-IR-26-084 addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the FortiGuard Security Advisory for specific patch versions and upgrade instructions. Organizations should prioritize updating FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge version 1.1.0 and all 1.0 series installations to the latest patched release as soon as available.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to isolate FortiSOAR Agent Communication Bridge from untrusted networks
• Deploy a reverse proxy or web application firewall (WAF) in front of the agent port configured to block path traversal patterns
• Use host-based firewall rules to restrict incoming connections to the agent port from known, trusted IP addresses only
• Enable strict file system permissions to minimize the impact of potential file disclosure
• Monitor and alert on any access to the agent port from unexpected source addresses