CVE-2019-6693
Fortinet FortiOS Use of Hard-Coded Credentials Vulnerability
Fortinet FortiOS
Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key. The aforementioned sensitive data includes users' passwords (except the administrator's password), private keys' passphrases and High Availability password (when set).
Ransomware groups exploiting CVE-2019-6693
The Akira ransomware group is said to have emerged in March 2023, and there's much speculation about its ties to the former CONTI ransomware group. It's worth noting that with the end of CONTI's operation, several affiliates migrated to independent campaigns s
Exploitation is attributed to these groups across their recorded activity. It does not follow that every organisation they listed was reached through CVE-2019-6693 — the source data does not record an entry point per incident.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 25 June 2025. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 16 July 2025. CISA records this vulnerability as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 5.7%, which is higher than 92.2% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Recent listings by these groups
Disclosures from the groups above, newest first.
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2019-6693 being exploited by ransomware groups?
Yes. CVE-2019-6693 is recorded as exploited by Akira. Between them these groups account for 1,407 victim disclosures in this database. CISA also records this vulnerability as used in ransomware campaigns.
What does CVE-2019-6693 affect?
CVE-2019-6693 affects Fortinet FortiOS. Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key. The aforementioned sensitive data includes users' passwords (except the administrator's password), private keys' passphrases and High Availability password (when set).
How severe is CVE-2019-6693?
CVE-2019-6693 is rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.5. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 5.7%, higher than 92.2% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 16 July 2025.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2019-6693?
Apply the vendor patch for Fortinet FortiOS as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.