Insecure DLL loading in Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR

1) Insecure DLL loading

EUVDB-ID: #VU54881

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-3042

CWE-ID: CWE-427 - Uncontrolled Search Path Element

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to compromise vulnerable system.

The vulnerability exists due to the application loads DLL libraries in an insecure manner. A local user can place a specially crafted .dll file and escalate privileges on the system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cortex XDR Agent for Windows: 6.1 - 7.3

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:palo_alto_networks:cortex_xdr_agent:6.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:palo_alto_networks:cortex_xdr_agent:7.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:palo_alto_networks:cortex_xdr_agent:7.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2021-3042

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.