CVE-2026-44278: A use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientWindows 7.4.0 through 7.4.2, FortiC

Routine

LOW 2.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-44278 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.3) affecting forticlient. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientWindows 7.4.0 through 7.4.2, FortiClientWindows 7.2 all versions may allow attacker to information disclosure via <insert attack vector here>

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 99%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-321
Published	2026-05-12
Last modified	2026-10-26

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

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-12 18:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 18:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

fortinet forticlient UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.2.0 and < 7.4.3

Fixed in: 7.4.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 7.4.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade forticlient

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 7.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison forticlient sudo apt install forticlient=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold forticlient

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

dnf --showduplicates list forticlient sudo dnf downgrade forticlient-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add forticlient

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-2026-44278?

forticlient: upgrade to 7.4.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-44278 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44278 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-2026-44278 affect?

CVE-2026-44278 affects forticlient. Severity is low (CVSS 2.3). A use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientWindows 7.4.0 through 7.4.2, FortiClientWindows 7.2 all versions may allow attacker to information disclosure via <insert attack vector here>

How urgent is CVE-2026-44278?

Priority 8/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Fortinet vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-70465 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE A buffer copy without checking size of input ('classic buffer overflow') vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient

References

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