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How CVE-2026-0282 Works
CVE-2026-0282 is an unauthenticated file deletion vulnerability affecting the management web interface of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software. The flaw resides in how the web interface handles certain file operations within a temporary directory. An attacker with network access to the management interface can exploit this vulnerability to delete files without any form of authentication.
The core issue lies in improper input validation or insufficient access controls on file deletion endpoints. When the management web interface processes a crafted request, it fails to adequately verify the user’s identity or permissions before allowing the deletion of files. The attacker can send a maliciously constructed HTTP request that references files within the temporary directory, causing the system to delete them.
The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely over the network, provided the attacker can reach the management web interface. However, the impact is somewhat limited because the attacker can only delete files as the “nobody” user, which restricts the scope to certain files such as limited logs and configuration files. Critical system files are not affected.
Palo Alto Networks has recommended best practices to mitigate the risk by restricting access to the management web interface to trusted internal IP addresses. This significantly reduces the attack surface, as the vulnerability can only be exploited if the management interface is exposed to untrusted networks. The issue affects PA-Series and VM-Series firewalls, as well as Panorama (virtual and M-Series) devices. Cloud NGFW and Prisma Access are not vulnerable.
The vulnerability was assigned a CVSS score that reflects its low severity due to the limited impact and the need for network access to the management interface. Nevertheless, it poses a risk in environments where the management interface is not properly secured. Palo Alto Networks has released patches to address this issue, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to the fixed versions.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: PAN-OS
Version: 10.1.x < 10.1.14-h9, 10.2.x < 10.2.7-h24, 11.1.x < 11.1.6-h1, 11.2.x < 11.2.4-h4
Vulnerability: Unauthenticated File Deletion
Severity: Low
Date: 07/09/2026
Prediction: 07/16/2026
What Undercode Say (Analytics)
Check PAN-OS version show system info | match version Verify if vulnerable if [[ "$version" =~ ^10.1.[0-9]+$ ]] && [[ "$version" < "10.1.14-h9" ]]; then echo "Vulnerable to CVE-2026-0282" fi Example crafted request (conceptual) curl -X DELETE "https://<firewall-ip>/api/?type=op&cmd=<delete-cmd>&file=/tmp/..."
Exploit
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted HTTP DELETE request to the management web interface. The request must include parameters that specify the target file within the temporary directory. Since no authentication is required, the attacker can simply repeat the request to delete multiple files. The deletion is performed with the privileges of the “nobody” user, limiting the scope to non‑critical files.
Protection
- Upgrade PAN-OS to version 10.1.14‑h9, 10.2.7‑h24, 11.1.6‑h1, 11.2.4‑h4 or later.
- Restrict access to the management web interface to trusted internal IP addresses only.
- Disable the management web interface on external interfaces.
- Monitor logs for unusual DELETE requests to the management interface.
Impact
- Confidentiality: None – no data exposure.
- Integrity: Low – limited to deletion of logs and configuration files.
- Availability: Low – may disrupt logging or certain configuration functions.
- Scope: Affects PA‑Series, VM‑Series, and Panorama; Cloud NGFW and Prisma Access are unaffected.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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