CVE-2025-31365 in FortiClientMac
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2025
An Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability [CWE-94] in FortiClientMac 7.4.0 through 7.4.3, 7.2.1 through 7.2.8 may allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's host via tricking the user into visiting a malicious website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31365 represents a critical code injection flaw that affects FortiClientMac versions 7.4.0 through 7.4.3 and 7.2.1 through 7.2.8. This weakness falls under the well-established CWE-94 category, which specifically addresses improper control of code generation or execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the FortiClientMac application, creating an environment where malicious code can be injected and subsequently executed without proper authorization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content that, when visited by a user with the vulnerable FortiClientMac software installed, triggers the execution of arbitrary code on the victim's host system.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only a simple user interaction through visiting a malicious website, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers. This type of attack aligns with the tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism leverages the web browser's interaction with the FortiClientMac application, which may be improperly handling user input or web content that should be restricted from executing system-level commands. The lack of proper sandboxing or isolation between web content and the underlying operating system creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and directly manipulate the application's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running FortiClientMac, which typically includes elevated system permissions. This could result in data exfiltration, system modification, persistence mechanisms establishment, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's prevalence across multiple versions of FortiClientMac suggests a systemic issue in the code generation and execution control mechanisms that affects a significant user base. Organizations relying on FortiClientMac for endpoint protection face a substantial risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or advanced technical knowledge from the attacker.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-31365 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the code injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected FortiClientMac installations are updated promptly. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional defense in depth, though these measures may not prevent exploitation entirely. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with dynamic code generation. System administrators should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites, as the attack requires user interaction to be successful. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential code injection vulnerabilities within the organization's software ecosystem, as this weakness demonstrates the critical importance of proper code generation controls in endpoint security solutions.