CVE-2022-40684

Name: CVE-2022-40684
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-10-18T14:15:09.747+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 99.98%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2022-40684 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel [CWE-288] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.6, FortiProxy version 7.2.0 and version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.0 and 7.0.0 allows an unauthenticated atttacker to perform operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 99.98% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel [CWE-288] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1 and 7.0.0 through 7.0.6, FortiProxy version 7.2.0 and version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 and FortiSwitchManager version 7.2.0 and 7.0.0 allows an unauthenticated atttacker to perform operations on the administrative interface via specially crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

99.98%

100.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Nov 1, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Fortinet	Fortiproxy	>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.7
Fortinet	Fortiproxy	7.2.0
Fortinet	Fortiswitchmanager	7.0.0
Fortinet	Fortiswitchmanager	7.2.0
Fortinet	Fortios	>= 7.0.0, < 7.0.7
Fortinet	Fortios	>= 7.2.0, < 7.2.2

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/169431/Fortinet-FortiOS-FortiProxy-FortiSwitchManager-Authentication-Bypass.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171515/Fortinet-7.2.1-Authentication-Bypass.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-377Mitigation, Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/169431/Fortinet-FortiOS-FortiProxy-FortiSwitchManager-Authentication-Bypass.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171515/Fortinet-7.2.1-Authentication-Bypass.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-22-377Mitigation, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-40684US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Oct 18, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-40684?

How severe is CVE-2022-40684?

CVE-2022-40684 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 99.98% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2022-40684?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2022-40684?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST