Fortinet FortiClientEMS CVE-2023-48788
CRITICALVulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A03:2021 - Injection
ASVS 5.0
V5 - Validation, Sanitization and Encoding Input validation, output encoding, parameterized queries
MITRE ATT&CK
2 techniques across 2 tactics: Initial Access, Persistence The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Impact | Critical risk (CVSS 9.8, EPSS 94.1%). FortiClientEMS manages endpoint security clients across the enterprise. Compromising the management server provides access to all managed endpoints and the ability to push malicious configurations. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker sends crafted packets to the FortiClientEMS management interface. The SQL injection enables database manipulation and OS command execution. The attacker then uses the EMS platform to deploy malicious configurations to all managed FortiClient endpoints. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 26, 2026
Fortinet FortiClientEMS contains a SQL injection vulnerability allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute unauthorized code through crafted requests to the management server.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
A SQL injection vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientEMS allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands and potentially achieve remote code execution through crafted request packets.
RemediationAI
Update FortiClientEMS immediately. Restrict management interface access. Audit managed endpoints for unauthorized configuration changes. Monitor database for evidence of SQL injection.
Affected ProductsAI
FortiClientEMS 7.2.0 through 7.2.2 FortiClientEMS 7.0.1 through 7.0.10
Affects your stack
Find out whether the stacks and servers you run are on an affected version.
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
The CWE-89 SQL injection in FortiClientEMS's request processing allows attackers to inject SQL statements through crafted network packets. The SQL injection can be escalated to OS command execution through the xp_cmdshell stored procedure or similar techniques.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
Lifecycle Timeline
3DescriptionCVE.org
A improper neutralization of special elements used in an sql command ('sql injection') in Fortinet FortiClientEMS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.2, FortiClientEMS 7.0.1 through 7.0.10 allows attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specially crafted packets.
Executive ViewAI
Organizations using Fortinet FortiClientEMS face critical risk from CVE-2023-48788, a SQL injection vulnerability rated CVSS 9.8. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or commands on affected systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild (KEV-listed) and requires immediate remediation. Immediate patching is required per CISA KEV mandate.
Apply vendor patch. If immediate patching is not feasible: (1) Deploy WAF rules to block injection patterns; (2) Restrict network access to affected components; (3) Enable enhanced logging for suspicious activity.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
CISA KEV
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
GitHub PoC
Exploit-DB