CVE-2026-44279 Overview
CVE-2026-44279 is an improper export of Android application components vulnerability [CWE-926] affecting Fortinet FortiTokenAndroid. The flaw exists in FortiTokenAndroid versions 5.2, 6.1, and 6.2 across all releases. A local attacker with low privileges on the device can leverage exported components to bypass intended access controls and read sensitive information from the app.
The vulnerability requires local access and no user interaction. It impacts confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability of the protected resource.
Critical Impact
A local attacker holding a malicious app on the same Android device can interact with improperly exported FortiTokenAndroid components to access sensitive token data.
Affected Products
- Fortinet FortiTokenAndroid 5.2 (all versions)
- Fortinet FortiTokenAndroid 6.1 (all versions)
- Fortinet FortiTokenAndroid 6.2 (all versions)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-12 - CVE-2026-44279 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-05-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-44279
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper export of Android application components within FortiTokenAndroid. Android components such as activities, services, content providers, and broadcast receivers can be declared as exported in the application manifest. When exported components handle sensitive data or actions without enforcing proper permissions, any other app installed on the same device can invoke them through inter-process communication (IPC).
In FortiTokenAndroid, one or more components are exposed to other applications without sufficient access control. A malicious local application can send crafted intents to these components and obtain information that should remain confined to the token app. Because FortiTokenAndroid stores one-time password (OTP) material used for multi-factor authentication, the exposure has direct impact on the trust model of authentication systems relying on these tokens.
The CWE-926 classification identifies this as a packaging defect rather than a memory safety or injection issue. Exploitation does not require root, ADB, or vendor-signed permissions.
Root Cause
The root cause is an Android manifest configuration where component declarations either set android:exported="true" without an accompanying android:permission attribute, or rely on implicit export through intent filters. The component logic does not verify the calling UID, package signature, or custom permission, allowing any installed app to reach internal handlers.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. A user must install a malicious or repackaged application on the same Android device that hosts FortiTokenAndroid. The hostile app then invokes the exported component using a standard Intent directed at the FortiToken package and component class name. No prompt is shown to the user, and the malicious app can run in the background.
A threat actor delivering a trojanized app through sideloading, a third-party store, or a supply chain compromise can stage this attack against high-value targets that use FortiToken for multi-factor authentication.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this issue. See the FortiGuard Security Advisory for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-44279
Indicators of Compromise
- Installation of unknown or sideloaded Android applications on devices that also run FortiTokenAndroid.
- Unexpected Intent traffic targeting FortiToken package components from non-Fortinet apps in Android logs.
- Newly granted permissions on third-party apps that immediately precede authentication anomalies on backend systems.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Android applications across managed devices and flag those coexisting with FortiTokenAndroid versions 5.2, 6.1, or 6.2.
- Use mobile threat defense or MDM telemetry to identify apps that query or invoke components in the FortiToken package namespace.
- Correlate backend authentication logs for repeated OTP failures or out-of-band token use that may indicate token material exposure.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor MDM and EMM consoles for FortiTokenAndroid version distribution and prioritize devices running affected releases.
- Alert on installation of apps outside approved enterprise stores on devices enrolled with FortiToken.
- Track authentication backend events for tokens issued to mobile devices that have not been patched.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-44279
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all enterprise users running FortiTokenAndroid 5.2.x, 6.1.x, or 6.2.x and schedule upgrade to the fixed version listed in the FortiGuard advisory.
- Block installation of apps from unknown sources on devices that hold FortiToken seeds, using MDM policy.
- Re-provision FortiToken seeds for users whose devices may have run untrusted apps alongside vulnerable FortiTokenAndroid versions.
Patch Information
Fortinet has published guidance for CVE-2026-44279 in FortiGuard Security Advisory FG-IR-26-130. Administrators should consult the advisory for fixed version numbers and upgrade paths, then push the updated FortiTokenAndroid package through the managed Google Play channel or enterprise app store.
Workarounds
- Restrict FortiTokenAndroid usage to managed devices with strict app allow-listing enforced by MDM.
- Disable sideloading and require Google Play Protect to remain enabled on all devices that host the token app.
- Where feasible, migrate sensitive accounts to hardware tokens or platform authenticators until affected devices are upgraded.
# Example MDM policy guidance (vendor-specific syntax will vary)
# Block installation from unknown sources and enforce app allow-list
restrict_unknown_sources: true
allowed_packages:
- com.fortinet.android.ftm
required_min_version:
com.fortinet.android.ftm: "<fixed version per FG-IR-26-130>"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
