ZDI-25-1014 - FortiWeb Command Injection Enables Root-Level RCE

ZDI-25-1014 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Fortinet FortiWeb, allowing authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as root via improper string validation in the policy_scripting_post_handler method. Although authentication is required, the vulnerability enables high-impact remote code execution that maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1068 (Privilege Escalation). SEO-relevant technical keywords include "FortiWeb command injection", "remote code execution vulnerability", and "ZDI advisory". According to the Zero Day Initiative advisory :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, FortiWeb fails to validate input before passing user-supplied strings to system calls, creating an opportunity for authenticated adversaries, compromised accounts, or malicious insiders to escalate privileges. Unlike previous FortiWeb CVEs disclosed earlier this week, ZDI-25-1014 represents a distinct flaw within the policy scripting subsystem. This broadens the attack surface across multiple administration workflows and increases the risk for organizations running vulnerable FortiWeb appliances. The business impact of ZDI-25-1014 is severe: successful exploitation grants full device control, enabling configuration tampering, implant deployment, data interception, and pivoting deeper into protected network segments. Organizations in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure face compliance violations under frameworks like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and NIST 800-53 if sensitive data flows through compromised reverse-proxy infrastructure. Mitigation requires immediate patching once Fortinet releases fixes, implementing strict access controls on administrative roles, and enforcing MFA for all FortiWeb management interfaces. Organizations should monitor for anomalous configuration changes, unauthorized script execution, and unexpected root-level system calls indicative of exploitation.