How severe is CVE-2021-44169?

CVE-2021-44169 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-44169 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (29th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-44169?

CVE-2021-44169 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-44169?

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-2021-44169 published?

CVE-2021-44169 was published on 2022-04-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-44169

CVE-2021-44169 is a high-severity vulnerability in Fortinet Forticlient with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-665.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (29th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-665
Affected product: Fortinet Forticlient
Published: 2022-04-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A improper initialization in Fortinet FortiClient (Windows) version 6.0.10 and below, version 6.2.9 and below, version 6.4.7 and below, version 7.0.3 and below allows attacker to gain administrative privileges via placing a malicious executable inside the FortiClient installer's directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-44169?: A improper initialization in Fortinet FortiClient (Windows) version 6.0.10 and below, version 6.2.9 and below, version 6.4.7 and below, version 7.0.3 and below allows attacker to gain administrative privileges via placing a malicious executable inside the FortiClient installer's directory.
How severe is CVE-2021-44169?: CVE-2021-44169 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-44169 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (29th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-44169?: CVE-2021-44169 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-44169?: 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-2021-44169 published?: CVE-2021-44169 was published on 2022-04-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-21-238

Affected products (1)

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

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