CVE-2019-1579 Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Remote Code Execution in PAN-OS with GlobalProtect Portal or GlobalProtect Gateway Interface enabled.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 10 Jan 2022.
- CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.1, 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 1,761 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
Remote Code Execution in PAN-OS 7.1.18 and earlier, PAN-OS 8.0.11-h1 and earlier, and PAN-OS 8.1.2 and earlier with GlobalProtect Portal or GlobalProtect Gateway Interface enabled may allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect Portal/Gateway Interface | PAN-OS 7.1.18 and earlier, PAN-OS 8.0.11 and earlier, and PAN-OS 8.1.2 and earlier releases |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 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
- 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
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
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
More Exploited Palo Alto Networks Flaws
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2019-1579 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2019-1579
- CVE record: CVE-2019-1579
- FIRST EPSS
- securityfocus.com/bid/109310
- psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-detail/SNWLID-2019-0010
- devco.re/blog/2019/07/17/attacking-ssl-vpn-part-1-PreAuth-RCE-on-Palo-Alto-GlobalProtect-with-Uber-a
- security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2019-1579
