CVE-2022-0017 GlobalProtect App: Improper Link Resolution Vulnerability Leads to Local Privilege Escalation
Description
An improper link resolution before file access ('link following') vulnerability exists in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows that enables a local attacker to disrupt system processes and potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges under certain circumstances.
This issue impacts:
GlobalProtect app 5.1 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.1.10 on Windows.
GlobalProtect app 5.2 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.2.5 on Windows.
This issue does not affect GlobalProtect app on other platforms.
Product Status
| Versions | Affected | Unaffected |
|---|---|---|
| GlobalProtect App 5.3 | None | 5.3.* |
| GlobalProtect App 5.2 | < 5.2.5 on Windows | >= 5.2.5 on Windows |
| GlobalProtect App 5.1 | < 5.1.10 on Windows | >= 5.1.10 on Windows |
Severity: HIGH
CVSSv3.1 Base Score: 7 (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)
Exploitation Status
Palo Alto Networks is not aware of any malicious exploitation of this issue.
Weakness Type
CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
Solution
This issue is fixed in GlobalProtect app 5.1.10 on Windows, GlobalProtect app 5.2.5 on Windows and all later GlobalProtect app versions.
Workarounds and Mitigations
There are no known workarounds for this issue.