FortiManager: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
CVE-2026-126180 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a template engine vulnerability in FortiManager from Fortinet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected FortiManager versions: 8.0.0 through 8.0.1; 7.6.0 through 7.6.7; 7.4.0 through 7.4.11, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.56% 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
- Check which version of FortiManager you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on fortiguard.fortinet.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortinet | FortiManager | 8.0.0 through 8.0.1; 7.6.0 through 7.6.7; 7.4.0 through 7.4.11; 7.2.0 through 7.2.13 | Not stated |
| Fortinet | FortiManager Cloud | 8.0.0 through 8.0.1; 7.6.0 through 7.6.7; 7.4.1 through 7.4.11; 7.2.1 through 7.2.13 | Not stated |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (fortinet.com).
Official description
A improper neutralization of special elements used in a template engine vulnerability in Fortinet FortiManager 8.0.0 through 8.0.1, FortiManager 7.6.0 through 7.6.7, FortiManager 7.4.0 through 7.4.11, FortiManager 7.2 all versions, FortiManager Cloud 8.0.0 through 8.0.1, FortiManager Cloud 7.6.0 through 7.6.7, FortiManager Cloud 7.4.1 through 7.4.11, FortiManager Cloud 7.2 all versions may allow a low privileged Device Manager admin to obtain super admin privilege on managed FortiGates via injecting malicious commands.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
The product uses a template engine to insert or process externally-influenced input, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements or syntax that can be interpreted as template expressions or other code directives when processed by the engine.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a template engine that offers a sandbox or restricted mode, or at least limits the power of any available expressions, function calls, or commands.
- Use the template engine's sandbox or restricted mode, if available.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in FortiManager
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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