CVE-2023-48788
Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability
Fortinet FortiClient EMS
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.
Ransomware groups exploiting CVE-2023-48788
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
The group emerged in mid-February 2024 and has already listed several organizations as alleged victims of their attacks, resulting from extortion through encryption and data leaks. The announcement of the sale of the new Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) by Ranso
Exploitation is attributed to these groups across their recorded activity. It does not follow that every organisation they listed was reached through CVE-2023-48788 — the source data does not record an entry point per incident.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 25 March 2024. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 15 April 2024. 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 97.6%, which is higher than 99.9% 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:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Recent listings by these groups
Disclosures from the groups above, newest first.
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2023-48788 being exploited by ransomware groups?
Yes. CVE-2023-48788 is recorded as exploited by Akira, Ransomhub. Between them these groups account for 2,249 victim disclosures in this database. CISA also records this vulnerability as used in ransomware campaigns.
What does CVE-2023-48788 affect?
CVE-2023-48788 affects Fortinet FortiClient EMS. 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.
How severe is CVE-2023-48788?
CVE-2023-48788 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 97.6%, higher than 99.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 15 April 2024.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2023-48788?
Apply the vendor patch for Fortinet FortiClient EMS 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.