CVE-2024-3400
About
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.
Rainforest analyst review
A clean 10.0: an unauthenticated attacker sends a crafted request to the GlobalProtect feature of PAN-OS, the firewall writes an attacker-controlled file, and a follow-on step runs it as commands — with root privileges, on the firewall itself. CVSS marks the scope “changed” because you’re not compromising a workload behind the firewall, you’re compromising the firewall, the device the entire security posture is built on.
GlobalProtect is the remote-access VPN portal, so the vulnerable surface is by definition internet-facing — you can’t run the VPN without exposing it. It was exploited as a zero-day before a patch existed, so the earliest victims had no fix to apply, only detection. Priority here is absolute: patch to a fixed PAN-OS build, and treat any vulnerable-and-exposed firewall as potentially already compromised. Root on the edge device means the attacker can read VPN traffic, harvest credentials, and move inward — and a reboot won’t evict them if they’ve persisted.
References
- https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2024-3400
- https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cve-2024-3400/
- https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2024/04/more-on-the-pan-os-cve/
- https://www.volexity.com/blog/2024/04/12/zero-day-exploitation-of-unauthenticated-remote-code-execution-vulnerability-in-globalprotect-cve-2024-3400/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-3400
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2024-3400?
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.
How severe is CVE-2024-3400?
CVE-2024-3400 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 100 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2024-3400 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2024-3400?
Public advisories list the following as affected: pan-os. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2024-3400?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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