CVE-2017-15940 in PAN-OS
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface packet capture management component in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS before 6.1.19, 7.0.x before 7.0.19, 7.1.x before 7.1.14, and 8.0.x before 8.0.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15940 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the web interface packet capture management component of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS operating systems. This vulnerability affects multiple version ranges including PAN-OS 6.1.18 and earlier, 7.0.18 and earlier, 7.1.13 and earlier, and 8.0.5 and earlier versions. The flaw exists in the web interface packet capture functionality that enables administrators to capture and analyze network traffic, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability for organizations relying on Palo Alto Networks firewalls for network security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the packet capture management component of the web interface. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of packet capture parameters or configuration settings. The vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web interface process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This represents a significant privilege escalation vulnerability where an attacker with legitimate administrative access can potentially gain deeper system control, though the initial authentication requirement provides some mitigation against unauthorized exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to completely compromise the firewall's operational integrity. Organizations using affected PAN-OS versions face potential exposure to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and disruption of network security controls. The web interface packet capture functionality is commonly used for network troubleshooting and security analysis, making this attack vector particularly insidious as it can be leveraged during legitimate administrative activities. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to establish persistent access points, modify firewall rules, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official PAN-OS updates that address this vulnerability, specifically upgrading to versions 6.1.19, 7.0.19, 7.1.14, or 8.0.6 respectively. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, representing a weakness in input validation that allows code injection, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the web interface, enforcing strict authentication controls, and monitoring for unusual packet capture activities. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with code execution attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.