CVE-2024-3400: Palo Alto PAN-OS GlobalProtect RCE Flaw

CVE-2024-3400 is a critical command injection vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS GlobalProtect that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on firewalls. This article covers technical details, affected versions, impact assessment, and mitigation strategies.

CVE-2024-3400 Overview

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.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, posing a severe risk to affected systems.

Affected Products

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 10.2.0 - 10.2.9
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 11.0.0 - 11.1.2
Not Applicable

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to paloaltonetworks
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-3400 assigned
Not Available - paloaltonetworks releases security patch
2024-04-12 - CVE CVE-2024-3400 published to NVD
2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-3400

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation in the GlobalProtect feature, allowing an attacker to create arbitrary files. This can lead to command injection, enabling the execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges on the affected firewall.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of sanitization for user-supplied input in the GlobalProtect feature, which enables command injection attacks.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is Network. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication.

bash

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
echo "injected_command" > /malicious/file.txt

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-3400

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual creation of files in sensitive directories
Unexpected network traffic to or from the device
Presence of unauthorized scripts or binaries

Detection Strategies

Monitoring file creation and modification events in sensitive directories for anomalies can help detect exploitation attempts. Network traffic analysis to identify unexpected outbound connections is also essential.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement file integrity monitoring and set up alerts for unauthorized file changes. Use network analysis tools to track anomalous connections and data exfiltration attempts.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-3400

Immediate Actions Required

Disable the affected GlobalProtect feature configurations
Restrict network access to vulnerable devices
Implement strict firewall rules to limit command injection attempts

Patch Information

Palo Alto Networks has released patches to address this vulnerability. Users should apply the latest security updates available via the official advisory.

Workarounds

Users can mitigate the risk by applying additional input validation measures and disabling vulnerable configurations until patches can be applied.