CVE-2026-0250 Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect App Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

A buffer overflow vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-0250, affects the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect App. This vulnerability can be exploited by a man-in-the-middle attacker positioned to intercept network traffic between a GlobalProtect Portal and Gateway. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to disrupt system processes or potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges on the affected endpoint. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of requests and responses exchanged between the Portal and Gateway. The GlobalProtect app on iOS is not affected.

Attack Chain

1. The attacker positions themselves in a man-in-the-middle position on the network between the GlobalProtect client and the GlobalProtect Portal/Gateway.
2. The GlobalProtect client initiates a connection to the GlobalProtect Portal or Gateway.
3. The attacker intercepts the initial request from the GlobalProtect client.
4. The attacker crafts a malicious response containing a buffer overflow payload.
5. The attacker sends the malicious response to the GlobalProtect client.
6. The GlobalProtect client processes the malicious response, triggering the buffer overflow.
7. The buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite parts of memory, potentially corrupting system processes.
8. If successful, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, leading to full system compromise.

Impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-0250 can lead to disruption of system processes on the affected endpoint, potentially causing denial of service. In a more severe scenario, the attacker could achieve arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges, leading to complete system compromise. While Palo Alto Networks is not aware of any malicious exploitation of this issue, the potential impact is significant, as it could allow an attacker to gain full control of the affected system.

Recommendation

• Upgrade GlobalProtect App on Windows to 6.3.3-h9 (6.3.3-999) or later, 6.2.8-h10 (6.2.8-948) or later, or 6.0.13 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.
• Upgrade GlobalProtect App on macOS to 6.3.3-h9 (6.3.3-999) or later, 6.2.8-h10 (6.2.8-948) or later, or 6.0.13 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.
• Upgrade GlobalProtect App on Linux to 6.3.3-h2 (6.3.3-42) or later, or 6.0.11 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.
• Upgrade GlobalProtect App on Android to 6.1.13 or later, or 6.0.14 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.
• Upgrade GlobalProtect App on ChromeOS to 6.1.13 or later, or 6.0.14 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.
• Upgrade GlobalProtect UWP App to 6.3.3-h10 or later to patch CVE-2026-0250.