CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-0017NVD status: Modified

GlobalProtect App: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-0017 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in GlobalProtect App from Palo Alto Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 5.2.5, 5.1.10 as the first without the flaw, so updating GlobalProtect App to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.28% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update GlobalProtect App to 5.2.5 or 5.1.10, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update Globalprotect to 5.1.10 or 5.2.5, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on security.paloaltonetworks.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Palo Alto NetworksGlobalProtect App5.2 up to, but not including, 5.2.5; 5.1 up to, but not including, 5.1.105.2.5, 5.1.10
Palo Alto NetworksGlobalprotect5.1 up to, but not including, 5.1.10; 5.2 up to, but not including, 5.2.55.1.10, 5.2.5

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.0HighCNA (paloaltonetworks.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD
CVSS 2.06.9MediumNVD

Official description

An improper link resolution before file access ('link following') vulnerability exists in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows that enables a local attacker to disrupt system processes and potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges under certain circumstances. This issue impacts: GlobalProtect app 5.1 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.1.10 on Windows. GlobalProtect app 5.2 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.2.5 on Windows. This issue does not affect GlobalProtect app on other platforms.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in GlobalProtect App

All GlobalProtect App vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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