CVE-2024-35279 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Fortinet FortiOS, specifically affecting versions 7.2.4 through 7.2.8 and 7.4.0 through 7.4.4. The flaw exists in the handling of CAPWAP (Control And Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) control packets over UDP. An attacker can send crafted UDP packets to the vulnerable FortiOS device where the fabric service is running on an exposed interface, triggering a buffer overflow on the stack. This overflow can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or commands remotely without any authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability requires the attacker to bypass FortiOS's stack protection mechanisms, which adds complexity but does not eliminate the risk. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.7, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2024 and published in February 2025. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for remote code execution on critical network infrastructure devices makes this a significant threat. Fortinet has not provided patch links in the provided data, but affected organizations should monitor Fortinet advisories for updates.

Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-35279 allows attackers to gain remote code execution capabilities on FortiOS devices without authentication, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive network traffic, disruption of network services, and lateral movement within enterprise networks. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected devices and connected networks are at high risk. Given FortiOS's widespread deployment in enterprise and service provider environments for firewalling, VPN, and network security, exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions and data breaches. The ability to execute arbitrary commands remotely could also facilitate installation of persistent malware or backdoors, complicating incident response and remediation efforts.

Organizations should immediately verify if their FortiOS devices are running affected versions (7.2.4 through 7.2.8 or 7.4.0 through 7.4.4) and assess whether the fabric service is enabled on interfaces exposed to untrusted networks. If so, restrict or block UDP traffic on CAPWAP control ports from untrusted sources using firewall rules or network segmentation. Disable the fabric service on exposed interfaces if not required. Monitor network traffic for anomalous UDP packets targeting CAPWAP services. Fortinet should be consulted for official patches or updates; apply them as soon as they become available. Additionally, implement network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) with signatures for CAPWAP anomalies and conduct regular vulnerability scans. Maintain robust logging and alerting to detect potential exploitation attempts. Employ defense-in-depth strategies such as network segmentation and least privilege access to limit attacker movement if compromise occurs.