CVE-2025-0111: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS File Read 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 2025-02-20, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2025-03-13; treat that as the outer limit, not the target.
• EPSS 2.0%, percentile 81: FIRST’s model estimates a 2.0% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 81% of all scored CVEs (elevated). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Needs an account (low (any account)). Exposure depends on who can log in.

What it is

An authenticated file read vulnerability in the Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software enables an authenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to read files on the PAN-OS filesystem that are readable by the “nobody” user. You can greatly reduce the risk of this issue by restricting access to the management web interface to only trusted internal IP addresses according to our recommended best practices deployment guidelines https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/tips-amp-tricks-how-to-secure-the-management-access-of-your-palo/ba-p/464431 . This issue does not affect Cloud NGFW or Prisma Access software.

CISA’s summary

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS contains an external control of file name or path vulnerability. Successful exploitation enables an authenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to read files on the PAN-OS filesystem that are readable by the “nobody” user.

Weakness type: CWE-73.

Product: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS · Assigned by: palo_alto · Published: 2025-02-12

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: low
• Attack requirements: none
• Privileges required: low (any account)
• User interaction: none

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 2025-02-20; federal due date 2025-03-13. Known ransomware use: Unknown.
• CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable no, technical impact partial.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 2.00% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 81.

Timeline

• 2025-02-12 — CVE record published by palo_alto
• 2025-02-20 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2025-03-13 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2026-02-26 — 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-2025-0111 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2025-0111 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

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