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CVE Record

CVE-2021-44167: An incorrect permission assignment for critical resource vulnerability [CWE-732] in FortiClient for Linux v...

An incorrect permission assignment for critical resource vulnerability [CWE-732] in FortiClient for Linux version 6.0.8 and below, 6.2.9 and below, 6.4.7 and below, 7.0.2 and below may allow an unauthenticated attacker to access sensitive information in log files and directories via symbolic links.

MediumCVSS 6.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-44167 affects FortiClient for Linux. A permissions mistake around log files and directories may let a local, unauthenticated attacker read sensitive information, with limited integrity impact. It is not listed as CISA KEV, and the provided sources do not show active exploitation.

Executive priority

Address in normal vulnerability management cycles, with faster handling for shared or high-trust Linux endpoints. The business concern is exposure of sensitive log data, not confirmed active exploitation from the provided evidence.

Technical view

Fortinet describes CWE-732 incorrect permission assignment for critical resources in FortiClientLinux 6.0.8 and below, 6.2.9 and below, 6.4.7 and below, and 7.0.2 and below. The issue involves sensitive log files and directories reachable through symbolic links. CVSS 3.1 is 6.8, local vector, low complexity, no privileges, no user interaction.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux endpoints running FortiClient versions in the affected ranges. Risk depends on whether untrusted users or processes can gain local access to those systems and whether logs contain sensitive operational or user data.

Exploitation context

The CVSS vector requires local access but no privileges or user interaction. The source bundle does not cite public exploitation, and KEV is false. Treat this as a practical local information-disclosure risk, not evidence of internet-scale exploitation.

Researcher notes

The evidence is limited to CVE metadata and Fortinet’s advisory reference. Avoid assuming affected platforms beyond FortiClient for Linux. The CVSS environmental signal shows remediation level as workaround, but the bundle does not name a specific workaround or fixed build.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory Linux endpoints running FortiClient and identify versions in the affected ranges.
  • Check Fortinet advisory FG-IR-21-232 for supported updates or workarounds.
  • Prioritize systems with shared shell access, kiosks, jump hosts, or high-sensitivity logs.
  • Reduce unnecessary local access to affected Linux endpoints until remediated.
  • Monitor Fortinet guidance for any updated remediation details.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm installed FortiClientLinux versions against the affected version ranges.
  • Review endpoint management data for unmanaged Linux systems using FortiClient.
  • Check whether affected hosts store sensitive information in FortiClient logs.
  • Verify remediation state after applying vendor guidance.
  • Document exceptions where upgrade or workaround timing is delayed.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
3

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2021-44167 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Medium
CVSS
6.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:W/RC:C

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
2Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
6.8CVSS 3.1MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:W/RC:C2.54.2Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

6.8Medium
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2021-44167Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:W/RC:C

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
FortinetFortinet FortiClientLinuxFortiClientLinux version 6.0.8 and below, 6.2.9 and below, 6.4.7 and below, 7.0.2 and belowListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.