How severe is CVE-2023-40718?

CVE-2023-40718 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2023-40718 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-40718?

CVE-2023-40718 affects Fortinet Fortios Ips Engine. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-40718?

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-2023-40718 published?

CVE-2023-40718 was published on 2023-10-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-40718

CVE-2023-40718 is a high-severity vulnerability in Fortinet Fortios Ips Engine with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-436.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (34th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-436
Affected product: Fortinet Fortios Ips Engine
Published: 2023-10-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A interpretation conflict in Fortinet IPS Engine versions 7.321, 7.166 and 6.158 allows attacker to evade IPS features via crafted TCP packets.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-40718?: A interpretation conflict in Fortinet IPS Engine versions 7.321, 7.166 and 6.158 allows attacker to evade IPS features via crafted TCP packets.
How severe is CVE-2023-40718?: CVE-2023-40718 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2023-40718 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-40718?: CVE-2023-40718 affects Fortinet Fortios Ips Engine. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-40718?: 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-2023-40718 published?: CVE-2023-40718 was published on 2023-10-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-090

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:fortinet:fortios_ips_engine:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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