CVE-2020-12812
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitAn improper authentication vulnerability in SSL VPN in FortiOS 6.4.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.3, 6.0.9 and below may result in a user being able to log in successfully without being prompted for the second factor of authentication (FortiToken) if they changed the case of their username.
Published Jul 24, 2020 · Updated Oct 2, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-12812 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Fortios (Fortinet).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 2, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 45% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Fortios 6.0.10, Fortios 6.2.4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
45%
Higher than 98.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-12812 brief as a PDF
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Description
An improper authentication vulnerability in SSL VPN in FortiOS 6.4.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.3, 6.0.9 and below may result in a user being able to log in successfully without being prompted for the second factor of authentication (FortiToken) if they changed the case of their username.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 2, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| FortiosFortinet | 6.4.0, >= FortiOS 6.4.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.3, 6.0.9 and below | 6.0.10 |
Patched Releases
Fortios
6.0.10, 6.2.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 24, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 2, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Oct 2, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-178 Improper Handling of Case Sensitivity
- CWE-287 Improper Authentication
References
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-19-283
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
An improper authentication vulnerability in SSL VPN in FortiOS 6.4.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.3, 6.0.9 and below may result in a user being able to log in successfully without being prompted for the second factor of authentication (FortiToken) if they changed the case of their username.
Affected: Fortios (Fortinet) versions 6.4.0, >= FortiOS 6.4.0, 6.2.0 to 6.2.3, 6.0.9 and below. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 2, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Fortios 6.0.10, Fortios 6.2.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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