CVE-2021-44168
HighExploitedPublic exploitA download of code without integrity check vulnerability in the "execute restore src-vis" command of FortiOS before 7.0.3 may allow a local authenticated attacker to download arbitrary files on the device via specially crafted update packages.
Published Jan 4, 2022 · Updated Oct 24, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-44168 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Fortios (Fortinet).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 7, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 0.9% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Fortios 6.0.14.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
0.9%
Higher than 57.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-44168 brief as a PDF
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Description
A download of code without integrity check vulnerability in the "execute restore src-vis" command of FortiOS before 7.0.3 may allow a local authenticated attacker to download arbitrary files on the device via specially crafted update packages.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 7, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Dec 10, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| FortiosFortinet | >= FortiOS before 7.0.3 | 6.0.14 |
Patched Releases
Fortios
6.0.14
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 7, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 10, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Dec 10, 2021
Publicly disclosed
Jan 4, 2022
Last updated
Oct 24, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-494 Download of Code Without Integrity Check
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
A download of code without integrity check vulnerability in the "execute restore src-vis" command of FortiOS before 7.0.3 may allow a local authenticated attacker to download arbitrary files on the device via specially crafted update packages.
Affected: Fortios (Fortinet) versions >= FortiOS before 7.0.3. 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 Dec 7, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Dec 10, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Dec 24, 2021.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Fortios 6.0.14.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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