CVE-2020-1988 GlobalProtect App: Local privilege escalation due to an unquoted search path vulnerability
Description
An unquoted search path vulnerability in the Windows release of GlobalProtect App allows an authenticated local user with file creation privileges on the root of the OS disk (C:\) or to Program Files directory to gain system privileges.
This issue affects Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect App 5.0 versions before 5.0.5; 4.1 versions before 4.1.13 on Windows;
Product Status
| Versions | Affected | Unaffected |
|---|---|---|
| GlobalProtect App 5.0 | < 5.0.5 on Windows | >= 5.0.5 on Windows |
| GlobalProtect App 4.1 | < 4.1.13 on Windows | >= 4.1.13 on Windows |
Required Configuration for Exposure
This issue only affects Windows systems where local users are configured with file creation privileges to the root of the OS disk (C:\) or 'Program Files' directory.
Severity: MEDIUM
CVSSv3.1 Base Score: 4.2 (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L)
Weakness Type
CWE-428 Unquoted Search Path or Element
Solution
This issue is fixed in GlobalProtect App 5.0.5, GlobalProtect App 4.1.13 and all later versions.
Workarounds and Mitigations
Do not grant file creation privileges on the root of the OS disk (C:\) or 'Program Files' directory to unprivileged users.