Exploited vulnerability · CISA KEV

Is CVE-2023-48788 exploited? Yes: in CISA KEV since 25 Mar 2024

Gociux · Fortinet FortiClient EMS · data: CISA KEV, CVE record, FIRST EPSS

Yes. CVE-2023-48788, Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability, is being exploited in the wild. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 25 Mar 2024, 13 days after it was published. It is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. It affects Fortinet FortiClient EMS, an internet-facing product of the kind attackers use for initial access. If you run it, CISA's required action is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

What it is

Fortinet FortiClient EMS contains a SQL injection vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute commands as SYSTEM via specifically crafted requests.

What to do

1. Check whether you run it. Look for FortiClient EMS in your asset inventory, including appliances and cloud images. Stack check lists every exploited Fortinet CVE at once.
2. Apply the fix. Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
3. If you can't patch today, take the affected service off the internet or restrict who can reach it, and check its logs for signs of compromise since 12 Mar 2024.
4. Get told next time. Email alerts when CISA adds a CVE for Fortinet.

Other exploited CVEs in FortiClient EMS

• CVE-2026-21643: Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability (13 Apr 2026)
• CVE-2026-35616: Fortinet FortiClient EMS Improper Access Control Vulnerability (6 Apr 2026)

References

• www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-007
• nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-48788

Sources: CISA KEV (exploitation, ransomware use, required action, due date), the CVE record (publication date, CVSS, CNA), NVD and FIRST EPSS (live score). More: all KEV additions in March 2024 · Fortinet scorecard · act-now radar.