CVE-2025-57716: Fortinet FortiClientWindows · Execute unauthorized code or commands
Affects Fortinet FortiClientWindowsSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 6.0 Medium.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 7% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:CExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 14 Oct 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Fortinet FortiClientWindows | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
Organizations should immediately verify if their FortiClient Windows installations fall within the affected versions (7.0.0, 7.2.0-7.2.11, 7.4.0-7.4.3) and apply any available patches or updates from Fortinet as soon as they are released. In the absence of patches, administrators should restrict write permissions on the FortiClient Online Installer installation folder to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, limiting access to trusted administrators only. Employ application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs and binaries within the FortiClient directories. Monitor file system changes in the installation folder for suspicious activity. Educate users about the risks of running installers or clients from untrusted locations and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the likelihood of local privilege escalation. Additionally, consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous DLL loading or process behavior related to FortiClient. Regularly audit local user permissions and system configurations to minimize attack surface. Finally, maintain robust incident response plans to quickly address any suspected exploitation attempts.
Description
An Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability [CWE-427] in FortiClient Windows 7.4.0 through 7.4.3, 7.2.0 through 7.2.11, 7.0 all versions may allow a local low privileged user to perform a DLL hijacking attack via placing a malicious DLL to the FortiClient Online Installer installation folder.