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Actively exploited

CVE-2017-15944 Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS contains multiple, unspecified vulnerabilities which can allow for remote code execution when chained.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch nowCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 18 Aug 2022.
  • Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by CISA).
  • This product type is often exposed to the internet, which is where attackers scan for it first.
  • It has been in the catalogue for 1,541 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS before 6.1.19, 7.0.x before 7.0.19, 7.1.x before 7.1.14, and 8.0.x before 8.0.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving the management interface.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated critical, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 8 Sep 2022 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

Stay Ahead

More Exploited Palo Alto Networks Flaws

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CVE-2026-0322Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Code Injection VulnerabilityAdded 14 Oct 2026CVE-2026-0257 · RansomwarePalo Alto Networks PAN-OS Authentication Bypass VulnerabilityAdded 29 May 2026CVE-2026-0300Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Out-of-bounds Write VulnerabilityAdded 6 May 2026CVE-2025-0111Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS File Read VulnerabilityAdded 20 Feb 2025CVE-2025-0108Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Authentication Bypass VulnerabilityAdded 18 Feb 2025CVE-2024-3393Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Malicious DNS Packet VulnerabilityAdded 30 Dec 2024

All 16 exploited Palo Alto Networks vulnerabilities

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2017-15944 and every other exploited flaw on the list.

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Evidence

Sources

  1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
  2. NVD: CVE-2017-15944
  3. CVE record: CVE-2017-15944
  4. FIRST EPSS
  5. security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2017-15944
  6. exploit-db.com/exploits/44597/
  7. securitytracker.com/id/1040007
  8. securityfocus.com/bid/102079
  9. exploit-db.com/exploits/43342/