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.
ManoelMartins
Article Id 343406
Description

This article describes the Radius connection issue with Microsoft NPAS after FortiGate upgraded to v7.2.10 or v7.4.5.

Scope

FortiGate v7.2.10/v7.4.5 and MS NPS Windows Server.

Solution

After FortiGate upgrades to 7.2.10/7.4.5, it will show 'invalid secret for the server' under User & Authentication -> RADIUS Servers -> Edit the name.

 

gui.jpg

 

Also, the failure from the CLI is shown below:

 

CLICLI

 

From the debug command below, it is possible to verify that have no authenticator message:

 

diagnose debug console timestamp enable

diagnose debug application fnbamd -1

diagnose debug enable

...

 

No message authenticatorNo message authenticator

 

On both versions, implemented a solution to RADIUS vulnerability as described in CVE-2024-3596, which demands that validation, but even if it is enabled on the 'Access-Request message', it must contain the Message-Authenticator Attribute on the RADIUS Client Server configured from the NPS Server not work.

 

Solution:
Microsoft has already addressed this by rolling out the KB5040268. This needs to be checked on Windows Server, and if there are any pending updates on the server, it needs to be installed. After that, check the connectivity and refer to this Microsoft Document.

 

FortiGates that have been upgraded to v7.2.10 can be downgraded to v7.2.9 as a workaround for this issue.

The ideal option is to use the alternate partition on the FortiGate to roll back to the immediate previous version: Technical Tip: Selecting an alternate firmware for the next reboot.

Downgrading firmware can be an option as well but is not recommended: Technical Tip: FortiGate Firmware Downgrade for Minor Releases

 

Alternatively, the FortiGate can be safely upgraded from v7.2.10 to v7.4.4 where the RADIUS security fix has not yet been implemented. This is true even though the Fortinet Upgrade Path tool does not show it as an option.

 

Screenshot 2024-11-01 104800.png

Related article:

Troubleshooting Tip: RADIUS authentication failure after the firmware upgrade to v7.2.10/v7.4.5