What is CVE-2023-48788?
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.
The record classifies CVE-2023-48788 under weakness class CWE-89. Its CVSS v3 base vector states that the flaw is reachable remotely over the network, needs no prior authentication, needs no user interaction, and has high impact on confidentiality, integrity, availability. 1 affected-product entry is recorded, across 1 vendor, listed below. The identifier was first published 960 days ago.
Severity and exploitation probability
- CVSS v3.1 base score
- 9.8 — CRITICAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - EPSS (FIRST)
- 98.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
- CISA KEV
- Listed since 2024-03-25, federal remediation deadline 2024-04-15 — used in known ransomware campaigns
- Threadlinqs priority
- 10/10 — CISA lists it as used in ransomware, which Threadlinqs scores at the maximum
- Published
- 2024-03-12, last modified 2025-10-21
Is CVE-2023-48788 being exploited?
CISA added CVE-2023-48788 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-03-25, which means the agency holds evidence of exploitation in the wild; US federal civilian agencies had to remediate it by 2024-04-15 under BOD 22-01. CISA flags the vulnerability as one used in known ransomware campaigns. Weaponised exploit code for CVE-2023-48788 is publicly available. 2 public proof-of-concept repositories are tracked for this identifier. A ProjectDiscovery Nuclei detection template exists (network/cves/2023/CVE-2023-48788.yaml). It currently carries a trending score of 55 in the Threadlinqs vulnerability feed.
- horizon3ai/CVE-2023-48788 (github)
- trickest/cve (trickest)
Affected products and versions
- Fortinet: Forticlient Enterprise Management Server
How to fix CVE-2023-48788
The record marks a vendor fix as available for CVE-2023-48788. Patch reference: https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-007. Vendor advisory: https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-007. Because CVE-2023-48788 is KEV-listed, US federal civilian agencies were required to apply the vendor fix, or stop using the product, by 2024-04-15. Apply the vendor fix referenced above to every affected product listed in this record, then confirm the running version against the vendor advisory.
Threat activity tracking CVE-2023-48788
4 tracked threats in the Threadlinqs corpus reference CVE-2023-48788, either in the campaign’s CVE list or as an indicator on the campaign record.
- INC Ransomware: Evolution into a Top-Tier RaaS Operation (Rust Windows/ESXi payloads, edge-device exploitation CVE-2023-3519/CVE-2023-48788/CVE-2024-57727/CVE-2025-5777, modified Veeam credential dumper) — HIGH · 2026-10-22
- FortiBleed: Mass Credential Compromise Campaign Against Internet-Exposed Fortinet FortiGate Devices (86,644 Devices, 194 Countries) — CRITICAL · 2026-07-11
- INC Ransom Affiliate Network Targeting Pacific Critical Infrastructure (AU/NZ/Tonga Joint Advisory) — CRITICAL · 2026-03-09
- Lazarus Group Medusa Ransomware — North Korean State-Backed Extortion Targeting US Healthcare and Middle East — CRITICAL · 2026-02-24
Sources
Enriched from CVE.org, NVD, FIRST EPSS, CISA KEV, public proof-of-concept repositories, ProjectDiscovery Nuclei. Last verified by Threadlinqs on . This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.