FortiAuthenticator: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query
CVE-2026-126240 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an LDAP query vulnerability in FortiAuthenticator from Fortinet, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected FortiAuthenticator versions: 8.0.0 through 8.0.3; 6.6.0 through 6.6.10. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.28% 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 FortiAuthenticator 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.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortinet | FortiAuthenticator | 8.0.0 through 8.0.3; 6.6.0 through 6.6.10 | 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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (fortinet.com).
Official description
A improper neutralization of special elements used in an ldap query ('ldap injection') vulnerability in Fortinet FortiAuthenticator 8.0.0 through 8.0.3, FortiAuthenticator 6.6.0 through 6.6.10 may allow an authenticated attacker to bypass authentication. Successful exploitation requires either a malicious/compromised upstream IdP, or an IdP configuration that allows the user to control the NameID (or the SAML attribute used as the username).
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 an LDAP Query
The product constructs all or part of an LDAP query using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended LDAP query when it is sent to a downstream component.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities (CWE-90)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in FortiAuthenticator
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
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