A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between devices and a remote network, making its configuration and flaws important to privacy and access control.
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Background for this topic.
VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a VPN gateway, or between networks, across an untrusted network such as the internet. It is commonly used for remote access and site-to-site connectivity. Encryption protects traffic in transit between the tunnel endpoints, but it does not secure a compromised device, protect data after it reaches the destination, or automatically make the VPN provider trustworthy; logging and traffic visibility depend on its configuration and operator.
VPN gateways are high-value entry points: vulnerabilities in internet-facing appliances, weak protocols or configurations, and stolen credentials can enable unauthorized access to internal systems. Organizations should patch and securely configure gateways, require phishing-resistant or otherwise strong multi-factor authentication where practical, restrict access and segment remote sessions, and monitor authentication and connection logs. During an incident, VPN account and gateway records can help identify access, while compromised gateways may require credential resets and network-wide review.
The company disclosed a critical FortiSIEM flaw with a PoC exploit for it the same week researchers warned of an ominous surge in malicious traffic targeting the vendor's SSL VPNs.
A massive spike in brute-force attacks targeted Fortinet SSL VPNs earlier this month, followed by a switch to FortiManager, marked a deliberate shift in targeting that has historically preceded new vulnerability disclosures. [...]
Cybersecurity researchers are warning of a "significant spike" in brute-force traffic aimed at Fortinet SSL VPN devices