CVE-2023-48788: Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2023-48788 is a critical (CVSS 9.8) SQL Injection vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient EMS. It is known to be exploited: CISA and ENISA list it, first on 25-03-2024. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 98.45% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 12-03-2024
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 25-03-2024
   Added to CISA KEVFortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability
3. 15-04-2024
   CISA remediation dueApply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
4. 23-01-2025
   Added to ENISA KEVAdded to the ENISA known exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
5. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

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.

• CWE-89Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.