title: Global Protect Agent: Local privilege escalation due to an unquoted search path vulnerability
description: An unquoted search path vulnerability in the Windows release of Global Protect Agent allows an authenticated local user with file creation privileges on the root of the OS disk (C:\) or to Program Files directory to gain system privileges. This issue affects Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect Agent 5.0 versions before 5.0.5; 4.1 versions before 4.1.13 on Windows;
problem types: CWE-428 Unquoted Search Path or Element
affected:
{
platforms: Windows
product: Global Protect Agent
vendor: Palo Alto Networks
versions:
changes: [at: 5.0.5, status: unaffected], lessThan: 5.0.5, status: affected, version: 5.0, versionType: custom
changes: [at: 4.1.13, status: unaffected], lessThan: 4.1.13, status: affected, version: 4.1, versionType: custom
}
metrics:
cvssV3_1: [
attackComplexity: LOW
attackVector: LOCAL
availabilityImpact: LOW
baseScore: 4.2
baseSeverity: MEDIUM
confidentialityImpact: LOW
integrityImpact: LOW
privilegesRequired: HIGH
scope: UNCHANGED
userInteraction: NONE
vectorString: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
version: 3.1
]
solutions: This issue is fixed in Global Protect Agent 5.0.5, Global Protect Agent 4.1.13 and all later versions.
workarounds: Do not grant file creation privileges on the root of the OS disk (C:\) or 'Program Files' directory to unprivileged users.