What Is the FortiWeb SQL Injection Vulnerability (2025) and How Can You Patch It to Prevent SQL Attacks?

Table of Contents

• What Is the FortiWeb SQL Injection Vulnerability?
• CVE Details and Risk Assessment
• Affected FortiWeb Versions
• Recommended Actions and Patch Instructions
• Why This Vulnerability Is a Serious Concern
• How to Audit and Validate If You’re At Risk
• Best Practices for Fortinet Security Management in 2025
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A new high-severity vulnerability has been discovered in FortiWeb, the popular Web Application Firewall (WAF) solution by Fortinet. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands remotely through specially crafted HTTP or HTTPS requests.

With a CVSS score of 9.6, the vulnerability poses a serious risk to organizations using FortiWeb for web application protection. The exploit is classified under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command (SQL Injection), enabling threat actors to bypass security controls and manipulate backend databases directly.

What Is the FortiWeb SQL Injection Vulnerability?

This vulnerability allows threat actors to remotely send SQL injection payloads via HTTP/HTTPS without authentication, enabling them to:

• Retrieve or manipulate sensitive data in the backend database

• Create or delete user accounts

• Inject persistent threats for future access

• Compromise the WAF itself as an entry point to wider infrastructure

Due to its unauthenticated nature, attackers can exploit the flaw externally with minimal knowledge of the environment.

CVE Details and Risk Assessment

Affected FortiWeb Versions

Fortinet has released an advisory highlighting the specific versions impacted:

• FortiWeb 7.6.0 → 7.6.3
  → Patch to 7.6.4 or above

• FortiWeb 7.4.0 → 7.4.7
  → Patch to 7.4.8 or above

• FortiWeb 7.2.0 → 7.2.10
  → Patch to 7.2.11 or above

• FortiWeb 7.0.0 → 7.0.10
  → Patch to 7.0.11 or above

These versions are vulnerable if exposed to the internet or misconfigured within internal networks.

Recommended Actions and Patch Instructions

✅ Immediate Fix – Apply Latest Security Patches

Fortinet has provided patches for each affected version. Organizations must:

• Download the update for their FortiWeb version

• Validate the update in staging environments

• Push the update across all production FortiWeb deployments

Temporary Workaround (If You Can’t Patch Now)

Disable the HTTP/HTTPS Administrative Interface.

This action reduces remote access vectors until patching can be completed. While not a full mitigation, it greatly lowers the risk of remote exploitation.

 Why This Vulnerability Is a Serious Concern

Fortinet appliances have historically been prime targets for APT groups, ransomware gangs, and exploit kits. Delays in patching Fortinet devices have led to breaches in the past, such as:

• CVE-2022-40684 in FortiOS exploited in real-world intrusions

• FortiProxy and FortiNAC zero-days exploited in nation-state campaigns

In this case, SQL injection through an exposed WAF expands the attack surface, potentially enabling pivoting into deeper network segments.

 How to Audit and Validate If You’re At Risk

Step 1: Identify All FortiWeb Assets

Use asset discovery tools to locate all active FortiWeb instances and check current firmware versions.

Step 2: Review HTTP/HTTPS Access

Audit firewall rules to verify if the admin interface is exposed to the internet or improperly configured within internal networks.

Step 3: Monitor Logs for Suspicious Activity

Review FortiWeb logs for unusual SQL-like requests, malformed HTTP headers, or elevated database operations.

 Best Practices for Fortinet Security Management in 2025

• Always subscribe to Fortinet security advisories.

• Automate vulnerability scanning using tools like OpenVAS or Qualys.

• Use SIEM integrations (e.g., with Splunk, Wazuh) to correlate unusual HTTP requests.

• Enforce MFA and role-based access control for administrative interfaces.

• Regularly back up and test restore capabilities for WAF configurations.

Conclusion

This SQL injection vulnerability in FortiWeb is a critical threat that could lead to full database compromise if exploited. Given the ease of execution, lack of authentication, and exposure of WAF devices, organizations must act swiftly.

The patching window is narrow—attackers move quickly once PoCs or scanning signatures are available. Securing your Fortinet infrastructure must be prioritized to prevent potential data breaches, compliance failures, and lateral movement.

FAQs 

What is the FortiWeb SQL injection vulnerability in 2025?

A critical unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability in FortiWeb allowing remote attackers to execute database commands via HTTP/HTTPS requests.

Which FortiWeb versions are affected by this vulnerability?

Versions 7.0.0 to 7.6.3 are affected. Fortinet recommends updating to 7.0.11, 7.2.11, 7.4.8, or 7.6.4 and above.

What is the CVSS score for this vulnerability?

The vulnerability is rated 9.6 out of 10, categorized as critical.

How does the FortiWeb SQL injection attack work?

Attackers send specially crafted HTTP/HTTPS requests containing SQL payloads, bypassing authentication and directly interacting with the backend database.

Is authentication required to exploit this FortiWeb vulnerability?

No, attackers can exploit it without authentication or user interaction.

What kind of data is at risk due to this vulnerability?

Sensitive data including user credentials, logs, application data, and possibly configuration files stored in the database.

What is CWE-89 in the context of FortiWeb?

CWE-89 refers to Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, leading to SQL injection vulnerabilities.

How can organizations patch this vulnerability?

By updating FortiWeb to the latest patched versions provided by Fortinet (7.6.4 or higher).

What is the temporary workaround if patching isn't possible immediately?

Disabling the HTTP/HTTPS administrative interface is advised as a short-term mitigation.

Has this vulnerability been exploited in the wild?

Yes, security researchers have reported active exploitation attempts targeting exposed FortiWeb instances.

Can firewalls block this SQL injection attack?

Firewalls may block some payloads, but dedicated patching is the only complete fix.

What tools can detect FortiWeb vulnerabilities?

Vulnerability scanners like Nessus, OpenVAS, and Qualys can help identify exposed FortiWeb systems.

What happens if I delay patching FortiWeb?

Delaying increases the risk of a successful attack, data theft, or system compromise.

Can this vulnerability be exploited internally?

Yes, if an attacker has network access to the FortiWeb administrative interface.

Is FortiWeb’s default configuration safe against this vulnerability?

No, if the affected version is in use, even default installations are vulnerable.

How do I check my current FortiWeb version?

Login to the FortiWeb dashboard or use CLI commands to verify the firmware version.

How often should FortiWeb devices be updated?

Regularly, as per Fortinet’s security advisory schedule or at least once per quarter.

What industries are most at risk from this FortiWeb vulnerability?

Finance, healthcare, government, and any organization using Fortinet products for web application security.

Does FortiWeb come with automatic update features?

No, firmware updates must be manually applied by administrators.

What is FortiWeb used for?

FortiWeb is Fortinet’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) designed to protect web applications against attacks.

Why is SQL injection still a risk in 2025?

Complex systems and improper input validation continue to leave applications vulnerable.

How long does it take to patch FortiWeb?

Typically 15–30 minutes per device, depending on configuration and downtime allowances.

What logging features help detect FortiWeb SQL attacks?

FortiWeb logs anomalous HTTP requests and failed login attempts; administrators should review these regularly.

What should security teams do after patching?

Verify patches were applied, monitor logs, and conduct vulnerability scans.

Does this vulnerability affect FortiOS or FortiGate devices?

No, it specifically affects FortiWeb versions mentioned in the advisory.

Can I disable SQL functionalities in FortiWeb?

No, SQL is integral to FortiWeb's operations; patching is the necessary solution.

How can I confirm if my FortiWeb has been compromised?

Check for unusual database entries, modified configurations, and unexpected administrative logins.

Is this vulnerability related to Fortinet’s past zero-day flaws?

No, it is a newly reported vulnerability specific to FortiWeb.

Where can I download the FortiWeb security patch?

From Fortinet’s official support portal under firmware updates.

How do I secure FortiWeb in the future?

Maintain firmware updates, restrict admin access, use MFA, and monitor security advisories.