CVE-2019-6693KEV · OVERDUECWE-798hardcoded-credentials

Fortinet FortiOS Use of Hard-Coded Credentials Vulnerability

Medium · published November 21, 2019

Patch now

The score understates this — it's already being exploited

CVSS calls it medium at 6.5. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 93.9th percentile for exploit probability.

464
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
6.5
EPSS
7%
Percentile
93.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚠️ A hard-coded cryptographic key in FortiOS is like having a master passcode that's written on a sticky note! 🔑 If attackers get their hands on a backup file, they'll unlock sensitive data with ease. Imagine a vault that's supposed to keep your secrets safe, but the key is taped right on the door. That's how this vulnerability works, allowing anyone with the backup file to access users' passwords and sensitive configurations without breaking a sweat. If an attacker manages to obtain the FortiOS configuration backup, they can easily decipher sensitive information, including users' passwords (excluding the administrator's!) and private key passphrases. This could lead to unauthorized access and a potential breach of trust, as sensitive data is laid bare!

Put simply

Imagine a vault that's supposed to keep your secrets safe, but the key is taped right on the door. That's how this vulnerability works, allowing anyone with the backup file to access users' passwords and sensitive configurations without breaking a sweat. This vulnerability involves the use of a hard-coded cryptographic key within FortiOS, which allows attackers with access to the configuration backup files to decrypt sensitive information that should remain confidential.

What to do

If an attacker manages to obtain the FortiOS configuration backup, they can easily decipher sensitive information, including users' passwords (excluding the administrator's!) and private key passphrases. This could lead to unauthorized access and a potential breach of trust, as sensitive data is laid bare! To remediate this issue, update to FortiOS version 6.0.9 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, review your backup procedures to ensure sensitive data is secured with unique and strong encryption methods. You've got this! With the right updates and practices, you'll keep your data as safe as a vault! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
6.5 · MEDIUM
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.06640 · 93.9th percentile
Weakness
CWE-798 · Use of Hard-coded Credentials
Published
2019-11-21T21:15Z
KEV added
2025-06-25 · due 2025-07-16
Affected products (3)
ProductVersionsFixed in
fortinet/fortios≤ 5.6.10—
fortinet/fortios≥ 6.0.0, ≤ 6.0.6—
fortinet/fortiosall versions—
References (3)
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 25 JUN 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jul 16
    kev
  • 21 NOV 15:08Z
    Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to…
    cvelistv5