How severe is CVE-2019-5589?

CVE-2019-5589 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2019-5589 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-5589?

CVE-2019-5589 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-5589?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2019-5589 published?

CVE-2019-5589 was published on 2019-05-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-5589

CVE-2019-5589 is a high-severity vulnerability in Fortinet Forticlient with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-426.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-426
Affected product: Fortinet Forticlient
Published: 2019-05-28
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability in FortiClient Online Installer (Windows version before 6.0.6) may allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker with control over the directory in which FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe resides to execute arbitrary code on the system via uploading malicious .dll files in that directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-5589?: An Unsafe Search Path vulnerability in FortiClient Online Installer (Windows version before 6.0.6) may allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker with control over the directory in which FortiClientOnlineInstaller.exe resides to execute arbitrary code on the system via uploading malicious .dll files in that directory.
How severe is CVE-2019-5589?: CVE-2019-5589 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-5589 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-5589?: CVE-2019-5589 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-5589?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2019-5589 published?: CVE-2019-5589 was published on 2019-05-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-19-060

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:fortinet:forticlient:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*

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