How severe is CVE-2023-45588?

CVE-2023-45588 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-2023-45588 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (18th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-45588?

CVE-2023-45588 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-45588?

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.

Does CVE-2023-45588 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2023-45588 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-49880.

When was CVE-2023-45588 published?

CVE-2023-45588 was published on 2025-03-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-45588

CVE-2023-45588 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-73.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (18th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-49880
Weakness: CWE-73
Affected product: Fortinet Forticlient
Published: 2025-03-14
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An external control of file name or path vulnerability [CWE-73] in FortiClientMac version 7.2.3 and below, version 7.0.10 and below installer may allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via writing a malicious configuration file in /tmp before starting the installation process.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-45588?: An external control of file name or path vulnerability [CWE-73] in FortiClientMac version 7.2.3 and below, version 7.0.10 and below installer may allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via writing a malicious configuration file in /tmp before starting the installation process.
How severe is CVE-2023-45588?: CVE-2023-45588 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-2023-45588 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (18th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-45588?: CVE-2023-45588 affects Fortinet Forticlient. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-45588?: 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.
Does CVE-2023-45588 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2023-45588 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-49880.
When was CVE-2023-45588 published?: CVE-2023-45588 was published on 2025-03-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-23-345

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:fortinet:forticlient:*:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*

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