FortiClientWindows: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2025-62676 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in FortiClientWindows from Fortinet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected FortiClientWindows versions: 7.4.0 through 7.4.4; 7.2.0 through 7.2.12; 7.0.0 through 7.0.14. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Forticlient to 7.2.13 or 7.4.5, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on fortiguard.fortinet.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortinet | FortiClientWindows | 7.4.0 through 7.4.4; 7.2.0 through 7.2.12; 7.0.0 through 7.0.14 | Not stated |
| Fortinet | Forticlient | 7.0.0 up to, but not including, 7.2.13; 7.4.0 up to, but not including, 7.4.5 | 7.2.13, 7.4.5 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (fortinet.com).
Official description
An Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability [CWE-59] vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientWindows 7.4.0 through 7.4.4, FortiClientWindows 7.2.0 through 7.2.12, FortiClientWindows 7.0 all versions may allow a local low-privilege attacker to perform an arbitrary file write with elevated permissions via crafted named pipe messages.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in FortiClientWindows
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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