CVE-2024-3400: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Command Injection Vulnerability

Should you act?

Exploited: patch now if you run it

CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• Yes, if you run Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-04-12, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2024-04-19; treat that as the outer limit, not the target. CISA also lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
• EPSS 100.0%, percentile 100.0: FIRST’s model estimates a 100.0% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 100.0% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Remotely reachable with no login and no user interaction. If the vulnerable service is exposed to the internet, prioritize it.
• Editorial verdict: Act now. PAN-OS GlobalProtect Zero-Day RCE (CVE-2024-3400) — Any PAN-OS 10.2, 11.0 or 11.1 firewall with a GlobalProtect gateway or portal that is not on a fixed hotfix is exposed to unauthenticated root code execution and should be patched and checked immediately.

What it is

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.

CISA’s summary

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS GlobalProtect feature contains a command injection vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute commands with root privileges on the firewall.

Weakness type: CWE-77, CWE-20.

Product: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS · Assigned by: palo_alto · Published: 2024-04-12

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: low
• Privileges required: none (no login)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: changed (can affect other components)

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: added 2024-04-12; federal due date 2024-04-19. Known ransomware use: Known.
• CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions as they become available. Otherwise, users with vulnerable versions of affected devices should enable Threat Prevention IDs available from the vendor. See the vendor bulletin for more details and a patch release schedule.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable yes, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 100.00% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 100.0.

Timeline

• 2024-04-12 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2024-04-12 — CVE record published by palo_alto
• 2024-04-12 — erroneo.us brief: PAN-OS GlobalProtect Zero-Day RCE (CVE-2024-3400)
• 2024-04-19 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2025-10-21 — CVE record last updated

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. security.paloaltonetworks.com security.paloaltonetworks.com

Vulnerability records

1. CVE.org record CVE-2024-3400 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2024-3400 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

Other references from the CVE record and advisory

1. unit42.paloaltonetworks.com unit42.paloaltonetworks.com
2. volexity.com volexity.com
3. paloaltonetworks.com paloaltonetworks.com

All exploited Palo Alto Networks vulnerabilities · Today’s Security Digest