FortiWeb SQL Injection Vulnerability Allows Attacker to Execute Malicious SQL Code

A critical security vulnerability has been discovered in FortiWeb web application firewalls that enables unauthenticated attackers to execute unauthorized SQL commands through specially crafted HTTP and HTTPS requests. 

This vulnerability, classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), represents a significant threat to organizations relying on FortiWeb for web application security. 

Key Takeaways
1. Critical FortiWeb flaw, CVE-2025-25257, lets attackers run malicious SQL via crafted requests.
2. Affects FortiWeb 7.0–7.6 (various sub-versions); upgrade now.
3. Exploitation can compromise data and system security.
4. Patch immediately and disable admin interfaces as a precaution.

The vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2025-25257 and carries a CVSS v3 score of 9.6, indicating its critical severity level.

FortiWeb SQL Injection Vulnerability

The FortiWeb SQL injection vulnerability originates from the product’s GUI component’s improper input validation mechanisms. 

Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending malicious HTTP or HTTPS requests containing specially crafted SQL payloads that bypass the application’s security controls. 

The vulnerability allows for SQL injection attacks where malicious SQL code is injected into database queries, potentially enabling attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive data stored in the backend database.

The technical classification as CWE-89 indicates that the vulnerability occurs when user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. 

This fundamental security weakness enables attackers to manipulate database operations by injecting malicious SQL commands through web requests. 

The fact that unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability significantly amplifies its risk profile, as no prior system access or credentials are required to launch attacks.

Risk Factors	Details
Affected Products	FortiWeb 7.6.0–7.6.3FortiWeb 7.4.0–7.4.7FortiWeb 7.2.0–7.2.10FortiWeb 7.0.0–7.0.10
Impact	Execute unauthorized code or commands
Exploit Prerequisites	None (Unauthenticated, remote attacker)
CVSS 3.1 Score	9.6 (Critical)

The vulnerability affects multiple FortiWeb versions across different release branches. FortiWeb 7.6 versions 7.6.0 through 7.6.3 are vulnerable and require upgrading to 7.6.4 or above. 

FortiWeb 7.4 versions 7.4.0 through 7.4.7 need upgrading to 7.4.8 or above. FortiWeb 7.2 versions 7.2.0 through 7.2.10 require upgrading to 7.2.11 or above, while FortiWeb 7.0 versions 7.0.0 through 7.0.10 need upgrading to 7.0.11 or above.

The impact of successful exploitation includes the ability to execute unauthorized code or commands on affected systems. 

This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.

Organizations should immediately upgrade their FortiWeb installations to the patched versions specified for each affected branch. 

As an interim workaround, administrators can disable the HTTP/HTTPS administrative interface to reduce the attack surface until patching is completed.

The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by Kentaro Kawane from GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae, highlighting the importance of coordinated vulnerability disclosure processes. 

Organizations should implement additional security measures such as network segmentation, access controls, and continuous monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts while patches are being deployed.

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