Critical FortiWeb WAF Vulnerability Exploited: PoC Tool Released
A critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-64446, has been discovered in Fortinet’s FortiWeb Web Application Firewall (WAF). This flaw allows unauthorized access to sensitive CGI endpoints through path traversal techniques, posing a significant risk to organizations relying on FortiWeb for web traffic protection.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2025-64446 is a path traversal vulnerability affecting FortiWeb’s WAF component. Attackers can exploit this flaw to bypass access controls and manipulate user accounts by navigating through directories in an unauthorized manner. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the CGI handling mechanism, which, in certain configurations, permits remote code execution.
Fortinet’s advisory indicates that versions ranging from 6.3.0 to 7.4.6 are susceptible to this exploit. Reports of active exploitation in the wild have been noted as early as October 2025, with threat intelligence firms observing related activities on dark web forums and in incident response logs. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, underscoring its critical severity and potential for widespread impact.
Proof-of-Concept Exploit Tool
On November 15, 2025, a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit tool for CVE-2025-64446 was publicly released on GitHub by user sxyrxyy. The repository, titled CVE-2025-64446-FortiWeb-CGI-Bypass-PoC, provides a Python-based script designed to test and exploit the vulnerability. The tool’s release has raised concerns among security professionals, as it could accelerate exploitation attempts against unpatched systems globally.
Tool Functionality
The PoC tool offers functionalities for both vulnerability verification and exploitation:
– Verification Mode: By executing `python3 exploit.py -t
– Exploitation Mode: Running `python3 exploit.py -t
The tool also includes advanced options for penetration testers, such as specifying custom usernames, passwords, profile names (default: prof_admin), VDOM instances (default: root), and login names (default: admin). Additionally, it supports batch operations by loading multiple targets from a file, enabling scans across IP ranges.
Security Implications
The public availability of this PoC tool significantly increases the risk to organizations using vulnerable FortiWeb versions. Sectors such as finance and healthcare, which heavily rely on FortiWeb for securing web applications, are particularly at risk. The tool’s ease of use means that even attackers with limited technical expertise could exploit unpatched systems, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromises.
Recommended Actions
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-64446, organizations should take the following steps:
1. Immediate Patching: Upgrade FortiWeb devices to version 7.4.7 or later, as these versions contain patches addressing the vulnerability.
2. Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the potential for lateral movement by attackers in the event of a compromise.
3. Access Controls: Review and strengthen access controls to restrict unauthorized access to critical systems and data.
4. Monitoring and Logging: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly.
5. User Education: Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with this vulnerability and the importance of applying security updates.
Conclusion
The release of the PoC exploit tool for CVE-2025-64446 highlights the critical need for organizations to proactively address security vulnerabilities. By promptly applying patches and implementing robust security measures, organizations can protect their systems from potential exploitation and maintain the integrity of their web applications.
