CVE-2025-61848: Fortinet FortiAnalyzer SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2025-61848 Overview

CVE-2025-61848 is an SQL Injection vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Fortinet FortiAnalyzer, FortiAnalyzer Cloud, FortiManager, and FortiManager Cloud products. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89), allowing a privileged authenticated attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via the JSON RPC API.

Critical Impact

Privileged authenticated attackers can leverage this SQL injection vulnerability to execute unauthorized code or commands, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of affected Fortinet management systems.

Affected Products

• FortiAnalyzer 7.6.0 through 7.6.4, 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, all versions of 7.2 and 7.0
• FortiAnalyzer Cloud 7.6.0 through 7.6.4, 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, all versions of 7.2 and 7.0
• FortiManager 7.6.0 through 7.6.4, 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, all versions of 7.2 and 7.0
• FortiManager Cloud 7.6.0 through 7.6.4, 7.4.0 through 7.4.8, all versions of 7.2 and 7.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-14 - CVE-2025-61848 published to NVD
• 2026-04-14 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-61848

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability exists within the JSON RPC API of Fortinet FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager products. The root issue involves improper neutralization of special characters that are passed to SQL command construction routines. When a privileged authenticated user crafts malicious input containing SQL metacharacters, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into database queries.

The vulnerability requires network access and authenticated privileges to exploit. An attacker must first obtain valid credentials with elevated permissions before they can leverage the JSON RPC API endpoint to inject malicious SQL statements. Once exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, database manipulation, or further system compromise.

Root Cause

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The JSON RPC API endpoint does not adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows specially crafted input containing SQL syntax to alter the intended query logic and execute unauthorized database commands.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, targeting the JSON RPC API exposed by FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager instances. An authenticated attacker with elevated privileges can submit malicious API requests containing SQL injection payloads. The JSON RPC interface processes these requests and passes unsanitized input to backend SQL operations, enabling the attacker to manipulate database queries.

The exploitation flow involves:

1. Authenticating to the target FortiAnalyzer or FortiManager system with privileged credentials
2. Crafting a malicious JSON RPC API request with SQL injection payload embedded in vulnerable parameters
3. Submitting the request to the vulnerable endpoint
4. The backend SQL engine interprets the injected SQL commands, executing unauthorized operations

For detailed technical information, refer to the Fortinet Security Advisory FG-IR-26-111.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61848

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or malformed JSON RPC API requests containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, semicolons, or UNION statements
• Unexpected database query patterns or errors in FortiAnalyzer/FortiManager logs
• Authentication events followed by suspicious API activity from privileged accounts
• Database error messages appearing in application logs indicating query syntax issues

Detection Strategies

• Implement application-layer monitoring for JSON RPC API endpoints to detect SQL injection patterns in request payloads
• Configure SIEM rules to alert on API requests containing common SQL injection keywords (UNION, SELECT, DROP, --, etc.)
• Enable detailed logging for all JSON RPC API interactions and monitor for anomalous request patterns
• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to inspect and block requests containing SQL injection signatures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager logs for failed API requests or unexpected error messages
• Track privileged account activity and correlate with API usage patterns for anomaly detection
• Review database audit logs for unusual query execution or unauthorized data access attempts
• Implement alerting for any access to sensitive database tables from the application layer

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61848

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Fortinet Security Advisory FG-IR-26-111 for vendor-specific patching guidance
• Identify all FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager instances running affected versions (7.0, 7.2, 7.4.0-7.4.8, 7.6.0-7.6.4)
• Restrict network access to JSON RPC API endpoints to trusted administrative networks only
• Audit privileged accounts and remove unnecessary elevated permissions

Patch Information

Fortinet has published security guidance for this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the official Fortinet Security Advisory FG-IR-26-111 for specific patch versions and upgrade instructions. Apply the latest security updates to all affected FortiAnalyzer, FortiAnalyzer Cloud, FortiManager, and FortiManager Cloud deployments.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager management interfaces
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules in front of management interfaces
• Enforce least-privilege access controls for accounts with API access
• Enable comprehensive audit logging for all API requests and review logs regularly for suspicious activity

# Example: Restrict access to management interface via firewall rules
# Limit JSON RPC API access to trusted administrator networks only
# Consult Fortinet documentation for specific configuration syntax