CVE-2020-9290: High severity Fortinet FortiClient Windows vulnerability

Published Mar 15, 2020
·
Updated

An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability in FortiClient for Windows online installer 6.2.3 and below may allow a local attacker with control over the directory in which FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe and FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe resides to execute arbitrary code on the system via uploading malicious Filter Library DLL files in that directory.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Fortinet FortiClient Windows<=6.2.3
Fortinet Forticlient Virtual Private Network Windows<=6.2.3

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Compensating control

    Ensure the directory containing FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe and FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe is protected so a local attacker cannot control it or upload malicious Filter Library DLL files to that directory.

Event History

Mar 15, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:52 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:52 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2020-9290?

The severity of CVE-2020-9290 is high, with a CVSS score of 7.8.

2

How does CVE-2020-9290 affect FortiClient for Windows?

CVE-2020-9290 affects FortiClient for Windows online installer version 6.2.3 and below.

3

How does CVE-2020-9290 affect FortiClient Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

CVE-2020-9290 affects FortiClient Virtual Private Network (VPN) online installer version 6.2.3 and below.

4

How can a local attacker exploit CVE-2020-9290?

A local attacker with control over the directory where FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe and FortiClientVPNOnlineInstaller.exe reside can upload malicious code to execute arbitrary code on the system.

5

Is there a fix available for CVE-2020-9290?

Updating to a version of FortiClient for Windows online installer and FortiClient Virtual Private Network (VPN) online installer that is above version 6.2.3 can fix this vulnerability.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203