Forticlient 7.4.4 free version - Not listing VPNs - Windows 11

[ClwydIT]

We have recently been provided with the free version of FortiClient 7.4.4.  After installing the software and importing our VPN config, we noticed that the VPN list was still empty.   We have uninstalled 7.4.4, manually removed any FortiClient folders and registry entries left behind.

After a restart and reinstalling the software, the same issue occurs, and it's the same if we manually create a VPN.   Registry locations show that the VPN config has been successfully imported, and when we export the config from 7.4.4, it shows the same VPNs.  Right-clicking on the software in the system tray also does not show any VPNs to connect to.

Is this a bug?

Screenshot after the config import or a new VPN is manually created.

[AEK]

Did you try with privileged user?

Besides, currently the latest version of FortiClient VPN (free version) is 7.4.3, not 7.4.4 according to what I find on support portal. Only the licensed version is at 7.4.4.

So can you confirm from where you downloaded the package?

[ClwydIT]

Hi AEK,

We have the same issue if the application is Run As Administrator, if that is what you are referring to.   The online technical chat team supplied the free version of 7.4.4 via a link in a ticket they created.   The release notes indicate that the free version ended after 7.4.3 (currently affected by a CVE), but the technical chat team stated that this is not the case.

[AEK]

Hi

Can you try with 7.4.3 and see if the issue is the same?

Don't worry about the CVE as long as you take precaution during the installation.

https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-25-685

[ClwydIT]

Hi AEK,

7.4.3 does work, but as we are Cyber Essentials Plus certified, we cannot use software that has any CVE against it.  If we cannot get 7.4.4 working, then we have to use 7.2.12.1269, as this is the only up-to-date version that does not have a CVE against it.

[AEK]

Hi

I understand, but the workaround is provided in the above psirt doc.

Workaround
Ensure that all executables are downloaded directly from Fortinet, 
and run the installation of FortiClient from a folder non-writeable 
by regular users.

The workaround is official and neutralize the vulnerability. 

[funkylicious]

hi,

before importing or creating a VPN try clicking the lock button, the last on the left side next to the home.

[ClwydIT]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that we restored the config, which requires the use of the lock/unlock option.  But even creating a new VPN setup (SSL/IPsec) fails to show.