Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Command Injection
CVE-2024-3400 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in PAN-OS from Palo Alto Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 10.2.9-h1, 11.0.4-h1, 11.1.2-h3 as the first without the flaw, so updating PAN-OS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on April 12, 2024, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update PAN-OS to 10.2.9-h1 or 11.0.4-h1 or 11.1.2-h3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions as they become available. Otherwise, users with vulnerable versions of affected devices should enable Threat Prevention IDs available from the vendor. See the vendor bulletin for more details and a patch release schedule.
- Read the advisory on security.paloaltonetworks.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto Networks | PAN-OS | 10.2.0 up to, but not including, 10.2.9-h1; 11.0.0 up to, but not including, 11.0.4-h1; 11.1.0 up to, but not including, 11.1.2-h3 | 10.2.9-h1, 11.0.4-h1, 11.1.2-h3 |
| Palo Alto Networks | Cloud NGFW | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Palo Alto Networks | Prisma Access | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | CNA (paloaltonetworks.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
A command injection as a result of arbitrary file creation vulnerability in the GlobalProtect feature of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software for specific PAN-OS versions and distinct feature configurations may enable an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the firewall. Cloud NGFW, Panorama appliances, and Prisma Access are not impacted by this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-3400US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- volexity.com/blog/2024/04/12/zero-day-exploitation-of-unauthenticated-remote-code-execution-vulnerability-in-…Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in PAN-OS
- 7.2 High severity
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Code Injection Exploited
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.