CVE-2018-9242 in PAN-OS
Summary
by MITRE
The PAN-OS management web interface page in PAN-OS 6.1.20 and earlier, PAN-OS 7.1.16 and earlier, PAN-OS 8.0.9 and earlier may allow an attacker to delete files in the system via specific request parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9242 represents a critical path traversal and file deletion flaw within the management web interface of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the security platform including PAN-OS 6.1.20 and earlier, PAN-OS 7.1.16 and earlier, and PAN-OS 8.0.9 and earlier, making it a widespread concern across various security infrastructure deployments. The flaw exists in the way the management interface processes specific request parameters, creating an avenue for unauthorized file system manipulation that could severely compromise network security operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the web interface components of PAN-OS. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests that contain specially formatted parameters designed to traverse directory structures and execute file deletion operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and directly manipulate the underlying file system of the security appliance.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9242 extends far beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and availability of the security infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially remove critical system files, configuration data, or security certificates that are essential for the proper functioning of the firewall. This could lead to complete system compromise, rendering the network security appliance non-functional and leaving the organization's network exposed to further attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation may involve executing commands through the compromised web interface to achieve file system manipulation.
Organizations running affected PAN-OS versions face significant risk exposure from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where the management interface is accessible from untrusted networks or where administrative access is not properly restricted. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the management web interface, which is often accessible to network administrators and potentially to external parties during routine maintenance or troubleshooting activities. Security teams should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest PAN-OS patches, restricting access to the management interface through network segmentation, and implementing strict access controls to prevent unauthorized administrative access. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious web interface activity and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in security infrastructure components, as even management interfaces that are designed to be secure can contain flaws that allow for complete system compromise through carefully crafted requests.