# CVE-2023-48788: Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL Injection Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-48788-fortinet-forticlient-ems-sql-injection-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2024-03-25. Updated: 2026-05-09  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-48788 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2024-03-25

A SQL injection vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient EMS allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via specially crafted packets. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands.

Technologies: [Fortinet FortiClient EMS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/forticlient-ems). Vendors: [Fortinet](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/fortinet).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-48788 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2023-48788 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 25 March 2024. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2023-48788?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 25 March 2024.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Fortinet FortiClientEMS 7.2.0 through 7.2.2, 7.0.1 through 7.0.10.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-48788?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2023-48788 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-48788?** Check whether you run Fortinet FortiClient EMS. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Fortinet FortiClientEMS 7.2.0 through 7.2.2, 7.0.1 through 7.0.10

## Timeline

- 2024-03-12: disclosed: Initial disclosure by Fortinet
- 2024-03-12: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2024-03-25: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
- 2024-03-25: exploited: Reported as exploited in the wild

## Related threats

- [Fortinet FortiClientEMS improper certificate validation in AD Connector](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-59836-fortinet-forticlientems-improper-certificate-validation-in-ad)
- [Fortinet FortiClient EMS SQL injection](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-21643-fortinet-forticlient-ems-sql-injection)
- [Fortinet FortiClientEMS improper access control in API](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35616-fortinet-forticlientems-improper-access-control-in-api)