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CVE-2018-13379

Published: Jun 4, 2019Updated: Oct 24, 2025 Sources: CVE List NVD BDUCWE-22
9.1CRITICAL
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
100.0%
Top 0.0%
CISA KEV
Active Exploitation
Since Nov 3, 2021
Exploits
1 Known
Remediation
Patch Available
Self-Check
Nuclei · OpenVAS

Description

An Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ("Path Traversal") in Fortinet FortiOS 6.0.0 to 6.0.4, 5.6.3 to 5.6.7 and 5.4.6 to 5.4.12 and FortiProxy 2.0.0, 1.2.0 to 1.2.8, 1.1.0 to 1.1.6, 1.0.0 to 1.0.7 under SSL VPN web portal allows an unauthenticated attacker to download system files via special crafted HTTP resource requests.

In plain language

AI Act now

This Fortinet SSL VPN web portal bug lets an attacker, without logging in, download sensitive system files from the internet-facing appliance—so you should treat it as urgent and patch if you run an affected version.

Executive summary

CVE-2018-13379 is an unauthenticated path traversal in the Fortinet SSL VPN web portal that allows remote attackers to read arbitrary system files by sending crafted HTTP requests; it has been used in real ransomware activity and is addressed by vendor fixes.

If affected, business impact
Stolen system configuration filesPossible follow-on ransomware accessService disruption from compromiseLong incident recovery time

What to do now

  1. Check whether your Fortinet device is running a FortiOS/ FortiProxy version that matches the affected ranges (FortiOS 6.0.0–6.0.4, 5.6.3–5.6.7, 5.4.6–5.4.12; FortiProxy 2.0.0 and 1.2.0–1.2.8 and 1.1.0–1.1.6 and 1.0.0–1.0.7).
  2. Confirm the SSL VPN web portal is enabled and reachable from the network you expose to the internet.
  3. If you are affected, upgrade immediately to the fixed versions: FortiOS 5.4.13 (for the 5.4 branch) or newer per vendor guidance, and FortiProxy 1.2.9.
  4. Until patched, restrict network access so SSL VPN web access is not broadly reachable from the internet, and follow the vendor advisory workarounds.
  5. Review logs for suspicious unauthenticated requests to the SSL VPN web portal and any unusual downloads of system files; escalate investigation if you see patterns consistent with exploitation.
1. For FortiProxy: upgrade to 1.2.9 2. For FortiOS: upgrade to 5.4.13
Patch / advisory Usually a quick update

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:NAC:LPR:NUI:NS:UC:HI:NA:H
Exploitability
AV:NAttack Vector
Network
AC:LAttack Complexity
Low
PR:NPrivileges Required
None
UI:NUser Interaction
None
Scope
S:UScope
Unchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:NIntegrity
None
A:HAvailability
High
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Weaknesses

CWE-22

Affected Products

Fortinet
commercial·USaka forti net
Fortinet FortiOS, FortiProxy
Security Products
fortiproxy
Security Products
fortios
Security Products
Fortinet Inc.
commercial·USaka fortinet
FortiOS
Security Products

Exploitability

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability
Added to KEV:Nov 3, 2021
Remediation due:May 3, 2022
Ransomware:Known ransomware use

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

1 exploit source identified

Exploit details including PoC links, Metasploit modules, and scanner templates are available after registration.

View exploit details
Official Patch Available
Workaround Available
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Attack Graph

Products CVE Techniques Tactics

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MITRE ATT&CK

2 techniques
Collection
Discovery
View detailed technique mapping

References

https://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-18-384
fortiguard.com
https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-20-233
fortiguard.com
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-13379
cisa.gov
and 4 more references View all →
News mentions
1

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