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Executive Summary
Today’s report provides an in-depth evaluation of CVE-2025-0110, a high-severity OS command injection vulnerability that specifically targets the OpenConfig plugin in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS. While no specific sectors or countries have yet been identified as targets by APT groups, this advisory serves as a comprehensive technical and managerial briefing on the potential impact, exploitation patterns, and mitigation strategies associated with this vulnerability. This report is intended for both technical teams and decision-makers, highlighting detailed analysis alongside accessible explanations, and ensuring that all readers are equipped with the necessary information to safeguard their environments.
Technical Information
The vulnerability CVE-2025-0110 is classified as “Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command (‘OS Command Injection’)” and is cataloged under CWE-78. The issue specifically lies within the capabilities of the OpenConfig plugin installed on Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS devices. This plugin, when enabled, allows an authenticated administrator—who possesses the necessary credentials to perform gNMI requests on the management web interface—to execute arbitrary commands via exploitation of improperly sanitized inputs. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker is able to bypass system restrictions by injecting specially crafted command sequences that are executed under the privileges of the “__openconfig” user, a user account with inherent Device Administrator privileges. Command injection vulnerabilities of this nature are among the more critical issues in cybersecurity since they provide an entry point for critical control over system processes and network infrastructure.
Fundamentally, CVE-2025-0110 exploits a flaw in input validation routines within the OpenConfig plugin. When receiving gNMI requests, the plugin fails to adequately neutralize input that may contain special shell characters. As a result, an attacker with valid administrative access can append additional command sequences that will be executed with high privileges. In technical terms, the plugin’s parsing mechanism does not incorporate sufficient logic to delineate between user-supplied input and system command boundaries. This improper boundary checking allows arbitrary OS commands to be injected into the system’s shell execution pipeline. For organizations that rely on Palo Alto Networks devices for network security, the gravity of this vulnerability is driven by the potential to completely subvert firewall policies, manipulate traffic flows, and even compromise internal network segments.
Furthermore, the extent of potential damage is magnified because this vulnerability is not purely theoretical. Although there have been no publicly confirmed instances of exploitation in the wild, under controlled lab conditions researchers have successfully demonstrated how an authenticated administrator could exploit this vulnerability to run commands that might extract sensitive information, alter configurations, or disrupt network operations. These demonstrations have been documented in detailed technical presentations and vulnerability papers available from reputable sources such as Palo Alto Networks Security Advisories [https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2025-0110] and Palo Alto Networks LIVEcommunity article [https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/tips-amp-tricks-how-to-secure-the-management-access-of-your-palo/ba-p/464431]. As researchers continue to explore the boundaries of this vulnerability, the potential for sophisticated attackers to leverage these methods against enterprise-level defenses grows significantly.
The root cause arises from the failure to validate and sanitize the command parameters in the processing of gNMI requests. Developers did not foresee that user inputs could be manipulated in such a way that command separators or delimiters might be introduced, resulting in multiple commands being executed in a single request. The underlying programming flaw relates to a common error in many command injection cases, specifically a lack of robust input validation where the input is directly included in system shell executions. The vulnerability is remediated in later versions of the OpenConfig plugin where developers have implemented strict input sanitation protocols, ensuring that only predefined safe characters are processed and that any command delimiters are correctly neutralized.
A closer look at the environment shows that PAN-OS versions incorporating the OpenConfig plugin are particularly sensitive. The vulnerability is active on configurations where the OpenConfig plugin is enabled, and it affects devices where the plugin version is below 2.1.2. Notably, PAN-OS 11.0.4 and later versions automatically install OpenConfig plugin 2.0.1 or later, while PAN-OS 10.2.11 and subsequent releases ship with OpenConfig plugin 2.0.2 or later. However, installations that remain on earlier plugin versions or where updates have not been applied are at risk. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability have the potential to gain unauthorized shell access, consult system logs, exfiltrate configuration data, and pivot to adjacent systems. The technical complexity of detecting such an exploit intensifies due to the seamless blending of malicious commands within legitimate system processes.
In advanced exploitation scenarios, the attacker may combine CVE-2025-0110 with additional vulnerabilities or social engineering techniques to maintain persistence within the network. For instance, if the compromised firewall is integrated with other critical network monitoring systems, the attacker could orchestrate a series of commands that modify network routing, disable security alerts, or install stealth backdoors. Moreover, once an attacker has successfully injected commands, it becomes trivial to combine subsequent stages of the attack with tactics such as data exfiltration, lateral movement, and even ransomware deployment. Although the exploitation chain requires valid authentication, which is traditionally seen as a mitigating factor, there is an inherent risk if credentials are compromised or if an insider threat exists.
The implications of CVE-2025-0110 are deeply technical yet resonate even with non-technical stakeholders since the breach can effectively nullify protective barriers set by enterprise firewalls. The ease with which system commands can be injected means that basic security practices, such as patch management and principle of least privilege, become even more crucial. Security professionals must understand both the technical details and the broader risks associated with vulnerable systems. Given that CAPEC-88, which deals with OS command injections, specifically categorizes this vulnerability, the risk profile is similar to other critical vulnerabilities previously seen in systems like Apache Struts and Microsoft’s legacy OS components, which have historically led to large-scale breaches.
Detailed forensic analysis of exploit attempts, should they occur, involves monitoring unusual shell execution traces, analyzing system audit logs, and correlating any anomaly in network traffic patterns. Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms can be instrumental in flagging such abnormal behaviors. The technical community has already provided proof-of-concept demonstrations that explain the exploitation sequence, including the precision in crafted payloads designed to circumvent verification routines. This vulnerability remains a test case in several upcoming cybersecurity workshops and is being discussed extensively in technical forums dedicated to firewall security and OS command injection.
The technical narrative surrounding CVE-2025-0110 emphasizes the critical need for rigorous input sanitization checks during the development lifecycle of network devices and applications. Engineering teams are advised to integrate static code analysis, dynamic testing, and continuous security audits to preemptively identify similar issues in other segments of the software stack. Major vendors, including Palo Alto Networks, continuously update their best practices and share detailed guidance on safe configuration of management interfaces. Research papers, such as those available on the Palo Alto Networks Best Practices Documentation [https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/best-practices/10-1/administrative-access-best-practices/administrative-access-best-practices/deploy-administrative-access-best-practices], provide further technical insights into defensive design principles that can thwart such injection-based attacks.
Exploitation in the Wild
As of this writing, there have been no definitive reports of CVE-2025-0110 being exploited in real-world scenarios. Laboratory simulations have confirmed that the vulnerability can be weaponized when an attacker has authenticated access to the device management interface. In a controlled environment, the exploitation process involves the precise construction of a gNMI request that incorporates extra command parameters. The sequence is engineered to interrupt the normal parsing algorithm of the OpenConfig plugin, leading the system to append arbitrary OS commands. Indicators of compromise in these theoretical exploit frameworks include irregular command execution logs, anomalous process initiation, and deviations in expected user activity as recorded by system auditing tools. The IOC details remain largely hypothetical at this stage, though security researchers have suggested monitoring for abnormal shell invocations, unexpected file modifications, and unusual logging patterns. The technique’s sophistication means that if exploited, the vulnerability could enable an attacker to embed persistent malware, modify system binaries, or disable logging mechanisms to evade detection.
The exploitation chain might also involve leveraging this OS command injection flaw as a stepping stone for further attacks. In such scenarios, even if the initial breach is confined to command execution, attackers could rapidly escalate their privileges or propagate lateral movement across connected systems. The technical documentation provided in the advisory emphasizes that while there is no evidence of the flaw being actively exploited, the command injection nature of the vulnerability leaves room for broader, more coordinated attack campaigns should an adversary choose to deploy it. Security professionals are urged to cross-correlate system logs with real-time threat intelligence feeds to ensure no latent indicators go unnoticed.
APT Groups using this vulnerability
Currently, no specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have been identified as exploiting CVE-2025-0110. Despite its high potential, the vulnerability remains unclaimed in targeted campaigns by any known groups. It is important to note that sophisticated adversaries continuously monitor vulnerabilities such as these and may incorporate them into broader infiltration strategies targeting enterprise networks. Although no attribution has been made, stakeholders must be vigilant, as state-sponsored and financially motivated groups have historically moved quickly to weaponize unpatched vulnerabilities once widespread adoption of the vulnerable systems is confirmed. Security teams should consider integrating threat intelligence data from sources such as Palo Alto Networks Security Advisories [https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2025-0110] to stay abreast of any emerging reports linking this flaw to persistent threat activities.
Affected Product Versions
The vulnerability directly impacts versions of the OpenConfig plugin that are installed on PAN-OS devices. Specifically, any installation with OpenConfig plugin versions below 2.1.2 is susceptible to exploitation. Devices that shipped with OpenConfig plugin version 2.0.1 in PAN-OS 11.0.4 and subsequent versions and those with OpenConfig plugin version 2.0.2 in PAN-OS 10.2.11 and later are vulnerable if they have not been updated to the patched version. Organizations running earlier versions of PAN-OS or those bypassing regular update protocols may face a heightened risk. It is crucial for stakeholders to assess their deployment inventory and verify that plugin versions are current. Security audits must include an inventory check on all Palo Alto Networks devices, focusing particularly on the OpenConfig plugin component. Administrators are advised to utilize automated scanning tools to identify and remediate instances where remediation patches have not been applied.
Workaround and Mitigation
Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2025-0110 requires a blend of preventive and corrective measures. Firstly, organizations should immediately restrict management interface access by following Palo Alto Networks’ best practices. Access should be limited only to trusted internal IP addresses to mitigate the risk of unauthorized administrative actions. Secondly, upgrading to OpenConfig plugin version 2.1.2 or later is imperative as these updates include robust input validation improvements designed to neutralize potential command injection vectors. Network operators should conduct a thorough assessment of their firmware and plugin inventory and schedule immediate updates where vulnerabilities are present. Additionally, continuous monitoring of network traffic is recommended, with particular focus on unusual command execution logs, unexpected system behavior, and abnormal shell activity. In instances where the OpenConfig plugin is not an essential component for operation, organizations are encouraged to disable or remove it by accessing the device configuration interface under Device Plugins. Furthermore, enterprise-grade monitoring solutions should be integrated to provide real-time alerts whenever suspicious gNMI requests or unauthorized administrative actions are detected. This multi-layered approach ensures early detection and prompt responses to any exploitation attempts.
References
The technical community has gathered critical documentation and guidance related to CVE-2025-0110. Notable references include Palo Alto Networks Security Advisories [https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2025-0110] which provides comprehensive details on the vulnerability, Palo Alto Networks LIVEcommunity article [https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/tips-amp-tricks-how-to-secure-the-management-access-of-your-palo/ba-p/464431] offering practical guidance on securing management access, and Palo Alto Networks Best Practices Documentation [https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/best-practices/10-1/administrative-access-best-practices/administrative-access-best-practices/deploy-administrative-access-best-practices] detailing the administrative access strategies. Additionally, technical research papers and community discussions further enrich the understanding of the exploit mechanisms and provide detailed exploitation insights. Stakeholders are encouraged to review these references to deepen their comprehension of the vulnerability and the recommended protective measures.
Rescana is here for you
At Rescana, we support our customers’ cybersecurity posture by providing advanced Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) solutions that help you continuously assess and monitor potential risks within your ecosystem. Our platform is designed to integrate with your existing security infrastructure and provide actionable insights into vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and potential threat vectors, ensuring that every risk is addressed promptly and effectively. We are committed to assisting your organization in developing robust risk management protocols and technical defenses, which includes guidance on patch management, system updates, and best configuration practices. We invite you to reach out to ops at rescana.com should you have any questions regarding the contents of this report or require additional support on any cybersecurity concerns.