HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2022-42475
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2022-42475

Published: December 13, 2022

EPSS:93.98%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.9th

Official Description

Multiple versions of Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability which can allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via specifically crafted requests.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Fortinet FortiOS Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Multiple versions of Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability which can allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands via specifically crafted requests.

Added to KEV: 2022-12-13Federal patch deadline: 2023-01-03⚠ USED IN RANSOMWARE CAMPAIGNS
Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN involves a heap-based buffer overflow, which allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands by sending specially crafted requests. The high EPSS score of 0.93984 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation, making this a critical vulnerability. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog confirms active exploitation.

This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its exploit status and inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog. The flaw is remotely exploitable by unauthenticated attackers.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security updates to Fortinet FortiOS SSL-VPN to patch the heap-based buffer overflow. Implement network segmentation and strong access controls for VPN services.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-42475 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2022-42475 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.

Affected Vendors & Products

Mentioned vendors (from description):
Fortinet
CPE data not yet available in NVD for this CVE.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2022-42475
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)93.98%
PublishedDec 13, 2022

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2022-42475 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
  • !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
  • !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.