FortiClientLinux Symlink Escalation Vulnerability (7.4.0-7.4.4, 7.2.2-7.2.12)
CVE-2026-24018 Published on March 10, 2026
A UNIX symbolic link (Symlink) following vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientLinux 7.4.0 through 7.4.4, FortiClientLinux 7.2.2 through 7.2.12 may allow a local and unprivileged user to escalate their privileges to root.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-24018 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Symlink following Vulnerability?
The software, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently account for when the file is a symbolic link that resolves to a target outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the software to operate on unauthorized files. A software system that allows UNIX symbolic links (symlink) as part of paths whether in internal code or through user input can allow an attacker to spoof the symbolic link and traverse the file system to unintended locations or access arbitrary files. The symbolic link can permit an attacker to read/write/corrupt a file that they originally did not have permissions to access.
CVE-2026-24018 has been classified to as a Symlink following vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-24018
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Affected Versions
Fortinet FortiClientLinux:- Version 7.4.0, <= 7.4.4 is affected.
- Version 7.2.2, <= 7.2.12 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.