CVE-2026-0310 in Cloud NGFW
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2026
A buffer overflow vulnerability in the XML processing functionality of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS® software enables an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the management web or dataplane interface to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on VM-Series firewalls or execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the PA-Series firewalls.
The security risk posed by this issue is minimized when the management interface is restricted to only trusted internal IP addresses according to our recommended best practice deployment guidelines https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/tips-amp-tricks-how-to-secure-the-management-access-of-your-palo/ba-p/464431 .
Panorama is impacted by this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the XML processing subsystem of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software, specifically affecting both VM-Series and PA-Series firewall platforms as well as Panorama management appliances. This buffer overflow condition arises from improper validation or bounds checking when parsing specific XML inputs processed by the system's internal handlers. The severity of this vulnerability is compounded by its accessibility; it can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker who possesses network connectivity to either the management web interface or the dataplane interface of the affected devices. Unlike many vulnerabilities that require prior authentication, this flaw allows remote code execution or denial of service without any credentials, significantly expanding the attack surface for potential adversaries targeting these critical infrastructure components.
The operational impact of exploiting this vulnerability varies depending on the specific hardware platform involved. On VM-Series firewalls deployed in virtualized environments, successful exploitation primarily results in a denial of service condition. This means that an attacker can disrupt network security services by crashing or hanging the firewall process, leading to a loss of visibility and control over the protected network segments. In contrast, for PA-Series physical appliances, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution with root privileges. This is particularly dangerous as it grants the attacker full administrative control over the device. With root access, an adversary can modify security policies, exfiltrate sensitive configuration data, install persistent backdoors, or use the compromised firewall as a pivot point to launch further attacks against internal network resources.
The vulnerability also impacts Panorama, Palo Alto Networks' centralized management platform for managing multiple firewalls and threat prevention devices. A compromise of Panorama would have catastrophic implications, potentially allowing an attacker to push malicious configurations to all managed devices simultaneously, thereby compromising the entire security infrastructure under its purview. This centralization risk amplifies the severity of the vulnerability beyond individual device compromises, affecting organizational-wide network integrity and availability.
To mitigate this high-severity threat, Palo Alto Networks recommends adhering strictly to best practice deployment guidelines that emphasize strict access control for management interfaces. Specifically, organizations should restrict access to the management interface exclusively to trusted internal IP addresses using firewall rules or physical isolation. This segmentation strategy ensures that even if an unauthenticated attacker gains network-level access to the broader environment, they cannot reach the vulnerable XML processing endpoints exposed on the management plane. Additionally, deploying these devices in a manner that isolates them from direct internet exposure is crucial for reducing risk.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-120, Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input Classic buffer overflow, and potentially CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write if the overflow leads to memory corruption beyond simple overwrites. In terms of adversary tactics, exploitation falls under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it involves leveraging a flaw in an application accessible from outside the immediate trusted zone. Furthermore, achieving root privileges on PA-Series devices relates to privilege escalation techniques such as those found in T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation if additional local exploits are chained, though the initial access is remote. Organizations must prioritize patching and network segmentation immediately to close this gap before it can be weaponized by threat actors targeting critical infrastructure.