CVE-2012-6605 in PAN-OS
Summary
by MITRE
The device-management command-line interface in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS before 3.1.11 and 4.0.x before 4.0.9 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka Ref ID 34896.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6605 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the device-management command-line interface of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS operating systems. This security weakness affects versions prior to 3.1.11 and 4.0.9, specifically targeting the command-line interface component that administrators use to manage and configure firewall devices. The vulnerability enables authenticated attackers who already possess valid credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially compromising the entire network security infrastructure.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the command-line interface processing mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted commands or parameters passed through the CLI interface. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness related to improper input validation, specifically categorized under CWE-20 which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and potentially CWE-78 which deals with "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command." These weaknesses create pathways for attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls and execute with the privileges of the affected service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for organizations relying on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full control over the affected firewall device, potentially enabling them to modify firewall rules, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The remote authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or additional network privileges beyond legitimate administrative credentials. This makes the attack surface particularly concerning as it can be exploited by insiders or attackers who have obtained valid administrative credentials through various means such as credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to PAN-OS versions 3.1.11 or 4.0.9, which contain the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and least-privilege access controls can help mitigate the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual command-line activity and unauthorized administrative access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics, techniques, and procedures outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the execution and privilege escalation categories, where attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and expand their foothold within the network environment.