How severe is CVE-2024-40591?

CVE-2024-40591 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2024-40591 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (43rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2024-40591?

CVE-2024-40591 primarily affects Fortinet Fortios. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2024-40591?

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-2024-40591 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2024-40591 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-4981.

When was CVE-2024-40591 published?

CVE-2024-40591 was published on 2025-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2024-40591

CVE-2024-40591 is a high-severity vulnerability in Fortinet Fortios with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-266.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (43rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-4981
Weakness: CWE-266
Affected product: Fortinet Fortios
Published: 2025-02-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability [CWE-266] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.6.0, 7.4.0 through 7.4.4, 7.2.0 through 7.2.9 and before 7.0.15 allows an authenticated admin whose access profile has the Security Fabric permission to escalate their privileges to super-admin by connecting the targetted FortiGate to a malicious upstream FortiGate they control.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-40591?: An incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability [CWE-266] in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.6.0, 7.4.0 through 7.4.4, 7.2.0 through 7.2.9 and before 7.0.15 allows an authenticated admin whose access profile has the Security Fabric permission to escalate their privileges to super-admin by connecting the targetted FortiGate to a malicious upstream FortiGate they control.
How severe is CVE-2024-40591?: CVE-2024-40591 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2024-40591 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (43rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-40591?: CVE-2024-40591 primarily affects Fortinet Fortios. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-40591?: 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-2024-40591 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2024-40591 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-4981.
When was CVE-2024-40591 published?: CVE-2024-40591 was published on 2025-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://fortiguard.fortinet.com/psirt/FG-IR-24-302

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:fortinet:fortios:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fortinet:fortios:7.6.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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