FortiGate
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall utilizes purpose-built security processors and threat intelligence security services from FortiGuard labs to deliver top-rated protection and high performance, including encrypted traffic.
sebas865
Staff
Staff
Article Id 343909
Description This article describes why FortiGate may display in the firewall users widget, the same SSL VPN IP address for multiple users.
Scope FortiOS 7.2.X,7.4.X.
Solution

When SSL VPN users connect to FortiGate via SSL VPN to access internal resources and use the SSL VPN connection to access the Internet with an explicit proxy rule (Technical Tip: How to Configure SSL VPN as an Explicit Proxy), it is possible to observe different users with the same SSL VPN IP address.

 

It is important to note that proxy authentication and SSL VPN authentication are managed by separate mechanisms and processes in FortiGate. As a result, proxy authentication maintains a distinct user list, separate from other authentication sources like SSL VPN, FSSO, or captive portal. For further details, refer to this documentation:

Technical Tip: FortiGate explicit proxy authentication and SSL VPN

 

When the SSL VPN user connects, FortiGate assigns a unique IP address that is not shared with other users. If the same IP address appears in the proxy list for different users, it likely indicates that the SSL VPN user disconnected, and the IP address became available for others. Therefore, the proxy list might show the same IP for multiple users, but only one user holds this IP from the SSL VPN’s perspective.

 

Since proxy authentication operates separately, it is advisable to expire proxy connections after a period of inactivity. This can be configured with the following commands:

 

config system global

    set proxy-auth-lifetime enable

    set proxy-auth-lifetime-timeout 10

    set proxy-keep-alive-mode traffic

end

 

This configuration closes the proxy connection if no user traffic is detected for 10 minutes. For additional details, refer to:

Technical Tip: Proxy users lifetime control

Comments
GILMENDO
Staff
Staff

@sebas865 Thank you for your contribution, great job!

MaryBolano
Staff
Staff

Great job @sebas865 !!!

lpedraza
Staff
Staff

@sebas865 Your contribution is very much appreciated! please keep up the good job!!!