CVE-2020-1978: VM-Series on Microsoft Azure: Inadvertent collection of credentials in Tech support files on HA configured VMs
TechSupport files generated on Palo Alto Networks VM Series firewalls for Microsoft Azure platform configured with high availability (HA) inadvertently collect Azure dashboard service account credentials. These credentials are equivalent to the credentials associated with the Contributor role in Azure. A user with the credentials will be able to manage all the Azure resources in the subscription except for granting access to other resources. These credentials do not allow login access to the VMs themselves. This issue affects VM Series Plugin versions before 1.0.9 for PAN-OS 9.0. This issue does not affect VM Series in non-HA configurations or on other cloud platforms. It does not affect hardware firewall appliances. Since becoming aware of the issue, Palo Alto Networks has safely deleted all the tech support files with the credentials. We now filter and remove these credentials from all TechSupport files sent to us. The TechSupport files uploaded to Palo Alto Networks systems were only accessible by authorized personnel with valid Palo Alto Networks credentials. We do not have any evidence of malicious access or use of these credentials.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
VM-Series Plugin for Microsoft Azureto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.0.9 - Remove
Remove
Old Service Principal used in Azure HA configurationfrom your environment.Delete the old Service Principal in the Azure AD Portal that was being used in the Azure HA configuration.
- Configuration
Update your Azure HA configuration in the PA-VM configuration with the new Service Principal credentials, following “Step 3” of the PA-VM Azure HA configuration guide.
PA-VM Azure HA configuration (VM Series firewall on Azure) Service Principal credentials used for Azure HA = Replace with new Service Principal (Contributor-equivalent) - Operational
Customers should delete any previously generated TechSupport files (including those generated on older versions).
- Operational
For TechSupport files generated on older versions, change the Azure dashboard credentials to new credentials.
- Operational
If the old Service Principal is used in other applications, update those applications to use the new Service Principal.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2020-1978?
CVE-2020-1978 is a vulnerability that affects Palo Alto Networks VM Series firewalls for Microsoft Azure platform.
How does CVE-2020-1978 affect Palo Alto Networks VM Series firewalls?
CVE-2020-1978 inadvertently collects Azure dashboard service account credentials on Palo Alto Networks VM Series firewalls for Microsoft Azure platform configured with high availability (HA).
What are the affected software versions for CVE-2020-1978?
CVE-2020-1978 affects Palo Alto Networks VM Series firewalls with Azure platform version 1.0 up to 1.0.9, and Pan-OS version 9.0.0.
What is the severity of CVE-2020-1978?
CVE-2020-1978 has a severity rating of medium (4.4).
How can I fix CVE-2020-1978?
To fix CVE-2020-1978, Palo Alto Networks recommends upgrading to version 1.0.10 or above for VM Series firewalls on Azure platform, and upgrading to a later version for Pan-OS.