CVE-2021-22126: A use of hard-coded password vulnerability in FortiWLC version 8.5.2 and below, version 8.4.8 and below, versi

Routine

MEDIUM 6.7UPGRADE

CVE-2021-22126 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.7) affecting fortiwlc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use of hard-coded password vulnerability in FortiWLC version 8.5.2 and below, version 8.4.8 and below, version 8.3.3 to 8.3.2, version 8.2.7 to 8.2.6 may allow a local, authenticated attacker to connect to the managed Access Point (Meru AP and FortiAP-U) as root using the default hard-coded username and password.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.7 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 95%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-284, CWE-798
Published	2025-03-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Fortinet, Inc. · Vendor: fortinet

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-03-17 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

fortinet fortiwlc UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.4.0 and < 8.5.3 · 8.2.6 · 8.2.7 · 8.3.2 · 8.3.3

Fixed in: 8.5.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.2.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy fortiwlc || rpm -q fortiwlc || fortiwlc --version

2. UPGRADE to 8.5.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade fortiwlc

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade fortiwlc

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.2.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison fortiwlc sudo apt install fortiwlc=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.2.6> sudo apt-mark hold fortiwlc

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list fortiwlc sudo dnf downgrade fortiwlc-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.2.6> sudo dnf versionlock add fortiwlc

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2021-22126?

fortiwlc: upgrade to 8.5.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-22126 being exploited?

CVE-2021-22126 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2021-22126 affect?

CVE-2021-22126 affects fortiwlc. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.7). A use of hard-coded password vulnerability in FortiWLC version 8.5.2 and below, version 8.4.8 and below, version 8.3.3 to 8.3.2, version 8.2.7 to 8.2.6 may allow a local, authenticated attacker to connect to the managed Access Point (Meru A

How urgent is CVE-2021-22126?

Priority 25/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Fortinet vulnerabilities

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References

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