CVE-2019-17436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and Mac OS X versions 5.0.4 and earlier, as well as version 4.1.12 and earlier, have a Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability that allows non-root users to overwrite critical root files on the system.

Understanding CVE-2019-17436

An issue has been identified with GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and Mac OS X versions 5.0.4 and earlier, as well as version 4.1.12 and earlier, where non-root users can potentially overwrite critical root files on the system, leading to a Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability.

What is CVE-2019-17436?

CVE-2019-17436 is a Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks' GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and Mac OS X versions 5.0.4 and earlier, and version 4.1.12 and earlier. It allows non-root users to overwrite critical root files on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17436

This vulnerability could be exploited by non-root users to escalate their privileges on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over critical system files.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17436

GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and Mac OS X versions 5.0.4 and earlier, as well as version 4.1.12 and earlier, are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows non-root users to overwrite critical root files on the system, leading to a Local Privilege Escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and OSX
Vendor: Palo Alto Networks
Versions Affected: 5.0.4 and earlier, 4.1.12 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Non-root users can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access and control over critical system files.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-17436.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GlobalProtect Agent to the latest version that includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Restrict non-root user permissions to minimize the impact of privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit user activities on the system to detect any unauthorized actions.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Palo Alto Networks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running GlobalProtect Agent for Linux and Mac OS X are updated with the latest patches provided by Palo Alto Networks.