There’s a war being waged inside your firewalls, and the latest intelligence from Fortinet proves it. In what may be one of the most underreported breaches of 2025, attackers have reportedly maintained covert access to FortiGate systems long after initial vulnerabilities were disclosed—turning secure network perimeters into open doors.
While Fortinet’s disclosure focuses on the post-exploitation persistence, what’s arguably more interesting is how SSL VPNs themselves have evolved into the go-to entry point for elite cyber actors—and how the very convenience of remote access is now a liability.
SSL VPNs: A Double-Edged Sword
SSL VPNs were designed to simplify remote access, especially in the hybrid work era. But as companies doubled down on remote connectivity, attackers did the same. The now-infamous CVE-2022-42475 wasn’t just a bug—it was a gold mine for any attacker wanting in.
The exploit allows for unauthenticated remote code execution, giving adversaries system-level control over unpatched devices. But here’s the kicker: this vulnerability was disclosed in late 2022. So why are attackers still finding success in 2025?
Because organizations are failing at patch hygiene and security visibility. Thousands of FortiGate devices remain vulnerable due to inconsistent update schedules, poor monitoring, or—worse—misconfigured patch deployments that leave holes wide open.
Threat Actors Are Patient, Admins Are Not
Fortinet’s latest threat intel suggests these actors gained access months ago and waited—installing stealthy payloads, collecting data, and prepping for lateral movement. This wasn’t smash-and-grab; this was long-game infiltration.
The malware, often hidden in places like /data/lib/ or /flash/, is designed to evade detection. One notable finding is the attackers’ use of tampered SSH binaries, allowing them to authenticate invisibly without triggering standard security alerts.
Why This Matters Beyond Fortinet
This isn’t just Fortinet’s problem. It’s a wake-up call for the entire industry. SSL VPN appliances across brands—from Palo Alto to SonicWall—have all faced similar vulnerabilities in recent years. The Fortinet breach is simply a snapshot of a systemic issue: the overreliance on perimeter-based VPN security, and the chronic underinvestment in post-breach detection.
The Future Is Zero Trust—or Bust
As VPNs become the weakest link, many are pushing for Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) as a more secure alternative. Even Fortinet has begun including ZTNA in its product messaging, positioning it as a modern replacement for legacy VPN solutions.
Until then, admins should take advantage of Fortinet’s updated mitigation guidance, begin threat hunting for backdoors, and ensure their infrastructure is clean—not just patched.
