Cloud NGFW: Use of Cache Containing Sensitive Information
CVE-2026-0281 is a high-severity use of cache containing sensitive information vulnerability in Cloud NGFW from Palo Alto Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. 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.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PAN-OS to 12.1.8 or 11.2.13 or 11.1.16 or 10.2.18-h8, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- 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.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto Networks | Cloud NGFW | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Palo Alto Networks | PAN-OS | 12.1.0 up to, but not including, 12.1.8; 11.2.0 up to, but not including, 11.2.13; 11.1.0 up to, but not including, 11.1.16; 10.2.0 up to, but not including, 10.2.18-h8 | 12.1.8, 11.2.13, 11.1.16, 10.2.18-h8 |
| Palo Alto Networks | Prisma Access | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Siemens | RUGGEDCOM APE1808 | all versions | 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
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.1 | Low | CNA (paloaltonetworks.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
An information disclosure vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS® software enables an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to obtain web session tokens. This requires a legitimate user to first click on a malicious link provided by the attacker. The security risk posed by this issue is minimized by restricting access to the management web interface to only trusted internal IP addresses according to our recommended best practice deployment guidelines https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/tips-amp-tricks-how-to-secure-the-management-access-of-your-palo/ba-p/464431 . This issue is applicable to PAN-OS software on PA-Series and VM-Series firewalls and on Panorama (virtual and M-Series). Cloud NGFW 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: Use of Cache Containing Sensitive Information
The code uses a cache that contains sensitive information, but the cache can be read by an actor outside of the intended control sphere.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Do not store unnecessarily sensitive information in the cache.
More Use of Cache Containing Sensitive Information vulnerabilities (CWE-524)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Cloud NGFW
- 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 Use of Cache Containing Sensitive Information vulnerabilities
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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