What is the Fortinet FortiWeb CVE-2025-25257 vulnerability and how is it being exploited?

Table of Contents

• What is CVE-2025-25257?
• How Does the Exploit Work?
• Timeline of Exploitation
• Impacted FortiWeb Versions
• Geographic Spread of Attacks
• CISA and Fortinet: Mitigation Recommendations
• Why This Vulnerability Is So Dangerous
• Conclusion
• Credits and Disclosure
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has sounded the alarm on a serious vulnerability affecting Fortinet’s FortiWeb Web Application Firewall (WAF). Tracked as CVE-2025-25257, this SQL Injection flaw has been actively exploited in global cyberattacks and now features prominently in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

With a CVSS score of 9.6, this critical vulnerability has triggered urgent warnings from security experts and government agencies alike.

What is CVE-2025-25257?

CVE-2025-25257 is an SQL injection vulnerability in the Fabric Connector component of FortiWeb. The flaw results from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. This allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests, ultimately compromising the device.

Fortinet confirmed:

“An improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability [CWE-89] in FortiWeb may allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute unauthorized SQL code or commands.”

How Does the Exploit Work?

The vulnerability lies in the /api/fabric/device/status endpoint of the FortiWeb WAF, which is designed to integrate Fortinet’s firewall with other security tools.

By sending malicious Authorization headers, attackers can:

• Exploit the SQL injection flaw

  
  

• Deploy webshells

• Maintain persistent backdoor access

• Extract sensitive data or manipulate configurations

Timeline of Exploitation

The exploitation timeline highlights the rapid weaponization of this vulnerability:

The Shadowserver Foundation has been tracking the campaign and has confirmed exploitation attempts in real time.

Impacted FortiWeb Versions

The following FortiWeb versions are vulnerable:

If you are running any of the above versions, immediate patching is critical.

Geographic Spread of Attacks

According to reports, the top affected countries include:

• United States – 40 compromised systems

• Netherlands

• Singapore

• United Kingdom

These regions have been heavily targeted due to their widespread use of Fortinet solutions in enterprise and government infrastructure.

CISA and Fortinet: Mitigation Recommendations

Both CISA and Fortinet strongly advise taking the following steps:

 Immediate Actions:

• Upgrade to the latest patched version of FortiWeb

• Disable HTTP/HTTPS admin interfaces if patching is not immediately possible

• Check logs for suspicious activity at /api/fabric/device/status

• Scan for webshells or unauthorized access points

 Proactive Monitoring:

• Monitor for malicious Authorization headers

• Use network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to spot suspicious traffic patterns

• Restrict admin panel access using IP whitelisting

Why This Vulnerability Is So Dangerous

FortiWeb is a frontline defense tool in many enterprise and government systems. When that very defense is compromised:

• Attackers gain access inside the network perimeter

• Sensitive data, credentials, and APIs can be exposed

• Webshells enable long-term persistence

The flaw demonstrates the danger of perimeter device vulnerabilities, especially when proof-of-concept exploits are made public before widespread patching occurs.

Conclusion: Patch Now or Face Breach Risk

The SQL injection flaw in Fortinet’s FortiWeb highlights the urgent need for fast vulnerability response and continuous monitoring. With CISA officially acknowledging exploitation in the wild, every moment of delay increases exposure.

Organizations should prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management process and harden their external-facing interfaces immediately.

Credits and Disclosure

This vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by Kentaro Kawane of GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae, ensuring Fortinet had time to develop a patch before public disclosure.

Stay updated, stay secure. For the latest cybersecurity alerts, follow trusted sources like CISA, Shadowserver Foundation, and vendor advisories.

FAQs

What is CVE-2025-25257 in Fortinet FortiWeb?

CVE-2025-25257 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in Fortinet FortiWeb that allows attackers to execute unauthorized SQL code through specially crafted HTTP/HTTPS requests.

How severe is the CVE-2025-25257 vulnerability?

It has a CVSS score of 9.6 out of 10, indicating a critical level of severity.

What is the FortiWeb Fabric Connector?

The Fabric Connector links FortiWeb with other Fortinet products and is the component affected by the CVE-2025-25257 flaw.

How is the FortiWeb vulnerability exploited?

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the /api/fabric/device/status endpoint with manipulated Authorization headers.

When did active exploitation of this vulnerability begin?

Exploitation began around July 11, 2025, following the release of proof-of-concept code by watchTowr Labs.

How many FortiWeb instances have been compromised?

As of July 15, 2025, 77 FortiWeb systems were confirmed compromised, primarily in the U.S.

Which FortiWeb versions are affected?

Versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.10, 7.2.0 to 7.2.10, 7.4.0 to 7.4.7, and 7.6.0 to 7.6.3 are affected.

What is the recommended fix for CVE-2025-25257?

Organizations should upgrade to patched versions: 7.0.11, 7.2.11, 7.4.8, or 7.6.4 and above.

What is the temporary workaround if patching is not possible?

Fortinet recommends disabling the HTTP/HTTPS administrative interface.

Who discovered the FortiWeb vulnerability?

The flaw was responsibly disclosed by Kentaro Kawane from GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae.

What is CISA’s stance on this vulnerability?

CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and urges immediate remediation.

How fast was the exploit weaponized?

It was weaponized within days of the public release of the exploit code.

What is the role of Shadowserver Foundation in this?

They monitor exploitation and confirmed widespread compromise of FortiWeb systems.

Is this vulnerability affecting only U.S. systems?

No, affected systems have been found in the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK, and more.

Are internet-facing interfaces a major risk?

Yes, over 223 FortiWeb management interfaces are still exposed online.

What does CWE-89 mean?

It refers to improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, a common cause of SQL injection.

What is SQL Injection?

It is a code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in the application’s database layer.

Why is FortiWeb targeted?

As a security appliance, compromising it gives attackers control over web traffic and application data.

What is the impact of deploying a webshell?

It allows persistent backdoor access to the compromised system for continued exploitation.

Are all Fortinet products affected?

No, only specific FortiWeb versions are impacted by CVE-2025-25257.

When were security patches released?

Fortinet released patches on July 8, 2025.

What should administrators do immediately?

Update affected FortiWeb versions and restrict access to management interfaces.

Is this considered a zero-day vulnerability?

While not originally zero-day, it became critical once exploit code was released and actively used.

Can intrusion detection systems catch this attack?

IDS/IPS may catch some exploit attempts, but patching is the most reliable solution.

How does this attack bypass authentication?

It allows unauthenticated users to manipulate SQL queries without logging in.

Is two-factor authentication helpful here?

Not in this case, since the vulnerability doesn’t require authentication.

Are there any Fortinet advisories available?

Yes, Fortinet has released a detailed security advisory on this issue.

How often do Fortinet vulnerabilities get exploited?

As a major security vendor, Fortinet is a frequent target, especially for high-impact flaws.

What does the attack say about patching speed?

It highlights the urgent need for rapid patching of security appliances.

Could this lead to data theft?

Yes, attackers with backdoor access can potentially exfiltrate sensitive data.

What’s next for FortiWeb users?

Immediate patching, monitoring for webshells, and restricting public access are key next steps.