PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-0251 Palo Alto Networks CVE debrief

CVE-2026-0251 involves multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app. This enables non-administrative users to execute arbitrary commands with administrative privileges on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The vulnerabilities allow a local user to escalate their privileges to NT AUTHORITY SYSTEM on Windows and root on macOS and Linux. The GlobalProtect app on iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and GlobalProtect UWP app are not affected. Users of affected versions should apply patches immediately.

Vendor
Palo Alto Networks
Product
GlobalProtect App
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.9
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-05-13
Original CVE updated
2026-07-14
Advisory published
2026-05-13
Advisory updated
2026-07-14

Who should care

Users of Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows, macOS, and Linux should apply patches to prevent local privilege escalation attacks. This includes administrators and security teams managing these systems. Vulnerability management and security teams should review and update their deployments. Operators of affected systems should prioritize patching to prevent potential exploitation.

Technical summary

Multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app allow a local user to escalate their privileges to NT AUTHORITY SYSTEM on Windows and root on macOS and Linux. This enables a non-administrative user to execute arbitrary commands with administrative privileges. The GlobalProtect app on iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and GlobalProtect UWP app are not affected. Affected systems should be patched or mitigated according to vendor guidance.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply patches provided by Palo Alto Networks
  • Inventory and update affected GlobalProtect app installations
  • Monitor for suspicious activity
  • Implement compensating controls
  • Retest and verify patches
  • Review and update vulnerability management processes
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerabilities and affected versions. The GlobalProtect app on Windows, macOS, and Linux are affected. Users should verify their deployments and apply patches. Evidence is limited to public sources and may not cover all affected systems or deployment contexts. Defenders should review official advisories and track vendor guidance for updates.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-0251 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-0251

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-0251 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-0251

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.