CVE-2024-8687: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Information Exposure Vulnerability, Consequences, and Exploit Details

In this blog post, we will be discussing a critical information exposure vulnerability, CVE-2024-8687, present in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software. This vulnerability allows an attacker with GlobalProtect end-user access to learn the configured GlobalProtect uninstall password and the configured disable or disconnect passcode. As a result, the attacker can uninstall, disable, or disconnect GlobalProtect even if the app configuration normally restricts it. We will provide a brief overview of the vulnerability, explain how to exploit it, and provide links to the original references for further research.

Vulnerability Overview

CVE-2024-8687 affects the GlobalProtect app, which is a key component of the Palo Alto Networks security solution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows even the GlobalProtect end users to have unintended control over the app's uninstallation and disabling process, which could potentially leave critical systems exposed to further attacks.

According to the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), this vulnerability has been assigned a score of 4.3 (out of 10), indicating medium severity.

Exploit Details

The information exposure vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software is due to improper handling of sensitive information, such as the uninstall password and disable/disconnect passcode, within the app. Proprietary data can be leaked through various methods, including sniffing network traffic or reverse-engineering the binary code.

A code snippet demonstrating the vulnerability would look like the following

// Reverse-engineering the binary code
// to extract the uninstall password
if (uninstall_password_received) {
    globalprotect_configuration.password = extract_password(binary_data);
}

// Sniffing network traffic
if (uninstall_passcode_received) {
    globalprotect_configuration.passcode = extract_passcode(network_data);
}

These leaked passwords and passcodes can then be used by a GlobalProtect end user to uninstall, disable, or disconnect the app using the following code:

// Uninstall, disable, or disconnect GlobalProtect
if (password_and_passcode_obtained) {
    if (globalprotect_configuration.password == obtained_password) {
        uninstall_globalprotect();
    } 

    if (globalprotect_configuration.passcode == obtained_passcode) {
        disable_or_disconnect_globalprotect();
    }
}

Mitigation

To address this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to the latest version of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS, where this issue has been patched. A secure configuration of the GlobalProtect app, including robust password and passcode management, is also essential. Regular monitoring of network traffic and app logs can help identify any suspicious activities related to this vulnerability.

For more information about CVE-2024-8687, you can refer to the following resources

1. CVE Record: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-8687
2. Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Vulnerability Disclosure: https://securityadvisories.paloaltonetworks.com/Home/Detail/308
3. NIST National Vulnerability Database (NVD): https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-8687

Conclusion

CVE-2024-8687 is a critical information exposure vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software that allows GlobalProtect end users to learn and use the uninstall password and disable/disconnect passcodes. It is crucial to upgrade the software, implement secure configurations, and monitor system activities to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 09/11/2024 17:15:14 UTC
Last modified on: 10/03/2024 00:26:56 UTC