CVE-2026-0257 Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass security restrictions and establish an unauthorized VPN connection.
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 29 May 2026.
- CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 7.8, scored by Vendor).
- This product type is often exposed to the internet, which is where attackers scan for it first.
- It has been in the catalogue for 161 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
Authentication bypass vulnerabilities in the GlobalProtect portal and gateway of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS® software allows the attacker to bypass security restrictions and establish an unauthorized VPN connection. Panorama and Cloud NGFW are not impacted by these issues.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW | See the vendor advisory |
| Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS | 12.1.0 to before 12.1.7, 12.1.4-h6 11.2.0 to before 11.2.12, 11.2.10-h7, 11.2.7-h14, 11.2.4-h17 11.1.0 to before 11.1.15, 11.1.13-h5, 11.1.10-h25, 11.1.7-h6, 11.1.6-h32, 11.1.4-h33 10.2.0 to before 10.2.18-h6, 10.2.16-h7, 10.2.13-h21, 10.2.10-h36, 10.2.7-h34 |
| Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access | 10.2.0 to before 10.2.10-h36 11.2.0 to before 11.2.7-h13 |
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
Fix it
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Management - 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
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
More Exploited Palo Alto Networks Flaws
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