CVE-2023-48788
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitA 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.
Published Mar 14, 2024 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-48788 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Forticlient Enterprise Management Server (Fortinet), FortiClientEMS.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 12, 2024 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 98% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Forticlient Enterprise Management Server 7.0.11.
- 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)
98%
Higher than 99.9% 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-2023-48788 brief as a PDF
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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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 25, 2024 | Apr 15, 2024 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 12, 2024 | Apr 15, 2024 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 25, 2024 | Apr 15, 2024 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 25, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Forticlient Enterprise Management ServerFortinet | See advisory | 7.0.11 |
| FortiClientEMS | >= 7.2.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Forticlient Enterprise Management Server
7.0.11
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 12, 2024
Publicly disclosed
Mar 14, 2024
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 25, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 25, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 25, 2024
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-103
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-304
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-327
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-328
- advisoryhttps://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-390
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Forticlient Enterprise Management Server (Fortinet); FortiClientEMS versions >= 7.2.0. 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 Mar 12, 2024 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 25, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 15, 2024.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Forticlient Enterprise Management Server 7.0.11.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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