CVE-2020-2032 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A race condition vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows allows local privilege escalation during an upgrade process.

Understanding CVE-2020-2032

This CVE involves a file race condition vulnerability in the GlobalProtect app, potentially leading to local privilege escalation on Windows systems.

What is CVE-2020-2032?

The vulnerability allows a local limited Windows user to execute programs with SYSTEM privileges during a GlobalProtect app upgrade.
Affected versions include GlobalProtect app 5.0 versions earlier than 5.0.10 and GlobalProtect app 5.1 versions earlier than 5.1.4 on Windows.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2032

CVSS Score: 7 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: Low
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2032

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-367 Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: GlobalProtect App by Palo Alto Networks
Affected Platforms: Windows
Vulnerable Versions: GlobalProtect app 5.0 versions less than 5.0.10 and GlobalProtect app 5.1 versions less than 5.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local limited Windows user during a GlobalProtect app upgrade process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-2032 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to GlobalProtect app 5.0.10, GlobalProtect app 5.1.4, or later versions to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the GlobalProtect app to the latest versions.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Monitor and audit system activities for unusual behavior.

Patching and Updates

Palo Alto Networks has released fixes in GlobalProtect app 5.0.10, 5.1.4, and subsequent versions to address this vulnerability.