CVE-2021-36169: Debug commands allow memory manipulation

Published Sep 7, 2021
·
Updated

A debug functionality in FortiGate may allow a privileged user to execute unauthorized code or commands via specificchains of print str and cmd mem cli commands to, respectively, read and write hexadecimal values to any memory address.

Other sources

A Hidden Functionality in Fortinet FortiOS 7.x before 7.0.1, FortiOS 6.4.x before 6.4.7 allows attacker to Execute unauthorized code or commands via specific hex read/write operations.

Affected Software

5 affected components
Fortinet FortiOS>=5.6.0<=5.6.14
Fortinet FortiOS>=6.0.0<=6.0.14
Fortinet FortiOS>=6.2.0<6.2.10
Fortinet FortiOS>=6.4.0<6.4.7
Fortinet FortiOS=7.0.0

Event History

Sep 7, 2021
Advisory Published
via FortiGuard·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via FortiGuard·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Dec 13, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:48 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:48 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Oct 25, 2024
Advisory Published
via FortiGuard·12:00 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-36169?

CVE-2021-36169 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow unauthorized code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-36169?

To fix CVE-2021-36169, upgrade FortiOS to a version that is not affected by this vulnerability.

3

Which versions of FortiOS are impacted by CVE-2021-36169?

CVE-2021-36169 affects multiple versions of FortiOS, including 5.6.0 to 5.6.14, 6.0.0 to 6.0.14, 6.2.0 to 6.2.10, 6.4.0 to 6.4.7, and 7.0.0.

4

What types of attacks can be executed using CVE-2021-36169?

Exploitation of CVE-2021-36169 can allow a privileged user to read and write to any memory address, potentially enabling various malicious attacks.

5

Who is primarily affected by CVE-2021-36169?

Organizations using affected versions of FortiGate devices and FortiOS software are primarily at risk from CVE-2021-36169.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203