November 13, 2026

CVE Watchtower

CVE-2019-6693Fortinet Fortios Use of Hard-coded Credentials

NVDCVSS scored by NVD (NIST)

Vulnerability Summary

Use of a hard-coded cryptographic key to cipher sensitive data in FortiOS configuration backup file may allow an attacker with access to the backup file to decipher the sensitive data, via knowledge of the hard-coded key. The aforementioned sensitive data includes users' passwords (except the administrator's password), private keys' passphrases and High Availability password (when set).
Severity Level
MEDIUM(6.5)
Published Date
Nov 21, 2019
Last Modified
Aug 4, 2026
Exploitation Status
ACTIVE
EPSS Score (30-Day)
5.62%Probability
Root Weakness (CWE)
CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials β†—
The software contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key, which it uses for its own inbound authentication, outbound communication to external components, or encryption of internal data.
CVSS v3.1 Base Metrics — Score 6.5 (MEDIUM)
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges RequiredLow
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone

Affected & Patched Versions

Affected Versions
  • Fortinet Fortios <= 5.6.10
  • Fortinet Fortios >= 6.0.0 and <= 6.0.6
  • Fortinet Fortios
Patched Versions
No patched version published yet
Until a fix ships, reduce exposure:
  • Restrict access to the affected service or interface to trusted networks.
  • Disable the affected feature if you do not need it.
  • Watch the vendor advisory for a firmware or software update.

What to do

Patch now. CISA lists this flaw as exploited in the wild and set a federal remediation deadline of Jul 16, 2025.

  1. Check whether you run Fortinet Fortios and which version.
  2. No patched version is listed yet. Limit access to the affected service to trusted networks, and disable the feature if you can.
  3. Subscribe to the vendor advisory so you learn when a fix ships.
  4. Review logs and exposed services for signs of earlier compromise.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

CISA KEV Status

Listed in Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Added: Jun 25, 2025
Remediation due: Jul 16, 2025 (deadline passed)
Known use in ransomware campaigns: Yes

Timeline

  • Nov 21, 2019Published
  • Jun 25, 2025Added to CISA KEV catalog
  • Jul 16, 2025KEV remediation due date
  • Aug 4, 2026Record last modified

Score, severity and exploitation changes are tracked from the day Watchtower started logging them.

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External References

Data last checked: Nov 13, 2026 15:29 (site time)