Update now — Fortinet Windows VPN hacked to steal user data

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A months-old vulnerability is being abused to grab VPN passwords

Abstract illustration of a young adult using a laptop on a 5 star rating bar, next to a blue shield and padlock representing a VPN
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  • Researchers spot Chinese threat actor stealing login credentials from Fortinet VPN
  • Thefts carried out with the help of a vulnerability discovered in 2023
  • The bug is yet to be addressed, or even assigned a CVE

Cybersecurity researchers has revealed that for months now, Fortinet’s Windows VPN client has been vulnerable to a flaw which allows threat actors to steal user credentials - and Chinese hackers have reportedly now started exploiting the bug and stealing the data.

Experts from Volexity have published an in-depth report on a piece of malware called DeepData. This malware was used by a Chinese threat actor known as BrazenBamboo to steal login credentials, and VPN server information from Fortinet VPNs.

As the experts explain, after a user logs into the VPN, user credentials remain in process memory. DeepData can find and decrypt JSON objects in the client’s process memory, effectively stealing the information. As a final step, DeepData can exfiltrate the information to a server under the attackers’ control.

BrazenBamboo

Volexity found the vulnerability in early July 2024, and reported it to Fortinet. The company acknowledged the issue on July 24, however, it never acted on the findings, and the vulnerability is still unresolved. It was not even assigned a CVE number, and there is no indication when a fix might be available, if ever.

The findings are disturbing since Fortinet’s VPNs are used by many organizations of all sizes, all across the world. By obtaining login credentials, cybercriminals can gain access to company networks, which allows them to move laterally, steal more information, and potentially even deploy ransomware.

Until a patch is made available, Volexity advises users to restrict VPN access, and keep both eyes peeled for unusual login activity.

BrazenBamboo seems to be a state-sponsored threat actor, meaning it’s on China’s payroll. The researchers believe the group was the one to develop three known malware families, Lightspy, DeepData, and DeepPost. Unlike North Korean groups, who don’t shy away from deploying ransomware or other destructive malware, Chinese groups are mostly interested in cyber-espionage, and as such are usually trying their best to remain hidden for as long as possible.

Via BleepingComputer

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Sead Fadilpašić

Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.