CVE-2022-0017 GlobalProtect App: Improper Link Resolution Vulnerability Leads to Local Privilege Escalation

High 7.0 Published 10 Feb 2022 Updated 16 Sep 2024

A local attacker can exploit improper link resolution to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges on Windows GlobalProtect App installations.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-0017?

CVE-2022-0017 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect App, published on 10 Feb 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

An improper link resolution before file access ('link following') vulnerability exists in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows that enables a local attacker to disrupt system processes and potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges under certain circumstances. This issue impacts: GlobalProtect app 5.1 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.1.10 on Windows. GlobalProtect app 5.2 versions earlier than GlobalProtect app 5.2.5 on Windows. This issue does not affect GlobalProtect app on other platforms.

Weakness: CWE-59

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-0017?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Paloaltonetworks Globalprotect.

How do I fix CVE-2022-0017?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-0017 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2022-0017 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-0017 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-fv8p-4m6f-8crp.