CVE-2025-4227 in GlobalProtect App
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2025
An improper access control vulnerability in the Endpoint Traffic Policy Enforcement https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/globalprotect/6-0/globalprotect-app-new-features/new-features-released-in-gp-app/endpoint-traffic-policy-enforcement feature of the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect™ app allows certain packets to remain unencrypted instead of being properly secured within the tunnel.
An attacker with physical access to the network can inject rogue devices to intercept these packets. Under normal operating conditions, the GlobalProtect app automatically recovers from this interception within one minute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-4227 represents a critical improper access control flaw within the Endpoint Traffic Policy Enforcement feature of Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect application. This weakness specifically affects the encryption mechanism that should secure network traffic flowing through the GlobalProtect tunnel, creating a scenario where certain packets bypass the intended security measures and remain unencrypted. The vulnerability manifests in the application's failure to properly enforce access control policies during the traffic policy enforcement process, allowing unauthorized interception of sensitive data that should be protected within the secure tunnel environment.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the GlobalProtect app's inability to consistently maintain encryption integrity for all network packets passing through the endpoint traffic policy enforcement mechanism. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and secure by default configurations that should govern all network security applications. The vulnerability creates a window of opportunity where packets that should be encrypted and secured within the tunnel are transmitted in plaintext, making them susceptible to interception and potential exploitation by malicious actors. This issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control vulnerabilities, and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper cryptographic controls for network traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited by attackers with physical access to the network infrastructure. An attacker positioned at the network edge with physical access can introduce rogue devices that specifically target these unencrypted packets, effectively creating a man-in-the-middle attack vector that bypasses the normal security controls. The fact that the application automatically recovers from this interception within one minute suggests that the system maintains some level of self-healing capabilities, but this recovery process creates a temporal security window that adversaries can exploit. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers data compression and encryption for exfiltration, and T1566, which covers credential access through spearphishing and social engineering.
Organizations implementing Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect applications face significant risk from this vulnerability, particularly those operating in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate or where adversaries have the opportunity to introduce rogue network devices. The automatic recovery mechanism, while providing some protection against prolonged exposure, does not eliminate the risk of data interception during the recovery window. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security promise of the GlobalProtect tunnel, potentially exposing sensitive communications to unauthorized access. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a critical risk that requires immediate attention, particularly in environments with high-value data assets or those subject to regulatory compliance requirements that mandate end-to-end encryption. The impact extends to various attack vectors including data exfiltration, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise security postures.