Cloud NGFW: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2026-0284 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Cloud NGFW from Palo Alto Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.9 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update PAN-OS to 12.1.4-h8 or 11.2.4-h20 or 11.1.4-h35 or 10.2.7-h36, 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.
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, 12.1.4-h8; 11.2.0 up to, but not including, 11.2.4-h20; 11.1.0 up to, but not including, 11.1.4-h35; 10.2.0 up to, but not including, 10.2.7-h36 | 12.1.4-h8, 11.2.4-h20, 11.1.4-h35, 10.2.7-h36 |
| 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
- 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
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:L. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 4.7 | Medium | CNA (paloaltonetworks.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
An XML injection vulnerability in the Large Scale VPN (LSVPN) functionality of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS® software enables an unauthenticated attacker with network access to inject malicious XML content, potentially leading to information disclosure or corruption of internal LSVPN satellite data. Panorama, 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: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, 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
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.