CVE-2020-2009 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An external control of filename vulnerability in the SD WAN component of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Panorama allows an authenticated administrator to send a request that results in the creation and write of an arbitrary file on all firewalls managed by the Panorama. This issue affects various versions of PAN-OS, including 7.1, 8.1 (earlier than 8.1.14), and 9.0 (earlier than 9.0.7).

Understanding CVE-2020-2009

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Panorama that could lead to arbitrary code execution with root permissions.

What is CVE-2020-2009?

CVE-2020-2009 is an external control of filename vulnerability in the SD WAN component of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Panorama, allowing an authenticated administrator to create and write arbitrary files on managed firewalls, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2009

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.2, indicating a high severity issue with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It requires high privileges and has a low attack complexity, making it a critical security concern.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2009

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated administrator to manipulate filenames in the SD WAN component, leading to unauthorized file creation and potential arbitrary code execution on managed firewalls.

Affected Systems and Versions

PAN-OS 7.1
PAN-OS 8.1 versions earlier than 8.1.14
PAN-OS 9.0 versions earlier than 9.0.7

Exploitation Mechanism

The issue arises from improper handling of filenames in the SD WAN component, enabling an attacker to exploit this weakness to create and write arbitrary files on managed firewalls.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective strategies to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2020-2009.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to PAN-OS 8.1.14, PAN-OS 9.0.7, or later versions to address the vulnerability.
Follow best practices for securing the PAN-OS management interface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch PAN-OS to the latest versions.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by Palo Alto Networks to address known vulnerabilities.