An authenticated file read vulnerability in the Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software enables an authenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to read files on the PAN-OS filesystem that are readable by the “nobody” user. This vulnerability is classified as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating a significant risk to affected systems.
The exploitation status of this vulnerability is noted as critical, as it allows access to sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
This issue does not affect Cloud NGFW or Prisma Access software. Organizations must take proactive steps to secure their systems against potential exploitation.
It is recommended to restrict access to the management web interface only to trusted internal IP addresses according to best practices deployment guidelines.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to read files on the PAN-OS filesystem that are readable by the “nobody” user. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) and CWE-610 (Excessive Privileges).
The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, which necessitates urgent attention from organizations using affected versions of PAN-OS.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of file access controls, allowing authenticated users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity for successful exploitation. The attacker needs to have low privileges, and no user interaction is required.
The confidentiality impact is high, with no integrity or availability impacts reported. This means that while sensitive information can be accessed, it will not affect the integrity or availability of the system itself.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files, leading to data breaches or further exploitation. The blast radius could be significant, affecting multiple systems if the management interface is not adequately secured. Given the CVSS score of 7.1 and its classification in the KEV catalog, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include all PAN-OS versions prior to 10.1.14, 10.2.7, 10.2.12, 11.1.6, and 11.2.4. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the vendor's recommended mitigations or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. To enhance security, restrict access to the management web interface to trusted internal IP addresses.
For further assistance, organizations can consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts and analyze behavioral anomalies that may indicate exploitation. Additionally, implement network signatures to detect unusual file access patterns and track any system changes.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability is notable as it highlights the critical need for robust access controls in networked environments. Security teams should learn from this incident to avoid similar vulnerabilities and ensure comprehensive security measures are in place.
To stay informed about ongoing threats, organizations can refer to our penetration testing methodology for guidance on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
For more insights on the current threat landscape, organizations should explore our articles on vulnerability management programs and trends in ransomware targeting.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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