CVE-2025-2182 in Cloud NGFW
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2025
A problem with the implementation of the MACsec protocol in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS® results in the cleartext exposure of the connectivity association key (CAK). This issue is only applicable to PA-7500 Series devices which are in an NGFW cluster. A user who possesses this key can read messages being sent between devices in a NGFW Cluster. There is no impact in non-clustered firewalls or clusters of firewalls that do not enable MACsec.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-2182 represents a critical weakness in the MACsec protocol implementation within Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software specifically affecting PA-7500 Series devices operating within NGFW clusters. This flaw constitutes a significant security risk as it directly compromises the confidentiality of network communications by exposing the connectivity association key. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-310 as a weakness related to cryptographic implementation, specifically involving the improper handling of cryptographic keys within network security protocols. The issue manifests exclusively in clustered environments where MACsec is enabled, creating a targeted attack surface that differs fundamentally from standalone firewall deployments or non-MACsec enabled clusters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the cleartext exposure of the connectivity association key which serves as the foundation for secure communication between clustered NGFW devices. When an attacker gains access to this key, they can decrypt and read all messages transmitted between devices within the NGFW cluster, effectively breaking the confidentiality assurances provided by the MACsec protocol. This represents a fundamental failure in the cryptographic key management implementation where sensitive key material should remain protected but instead becomes accessible in plaintext form. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of the security model by undermining the network layer protection mechanisms that MACsec is designed to provide.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass complete compromise of cluster communication integrity. Network administrators must consider that any entity possessing the connectivity association key can monitor, modify, or inject malicious traffic between cluster members, potentially leading to broader network infiltration. The attack surface is limited to specific hardware models and deployment configurations, yet the implications are severe given that cluster environments typically handle sensitive enterprise communications and critical infrastructure traffic. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 by enabling unauthorized network traffic interception and can be leveraged for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The exposure affects the fundamental security posture of Palo Alto Networks customers who have deployed PA-7500 Series devices in clustered configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-2182 should focus on immediate remediation through official PAN-OS software updates provided by Palo Alto Networks. Organizations must verify their current deployment configurations to identify affected PA-7500 Series devices within NGFW clusters and implement the necessary patches as soon as they become available. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential unauthorized access attempts targeting the exposed key material. Security teams should consider disabling MACsec functionality on affected devices until proper patches are applied, though this may impact network security assurances. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic key lifecycle management and demonstrates the critical need for thorough security testing of network protocol implementations. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of their network security configurations to identify any other potential exposures related to MACsec or similar cryptographic protocols.