Authentication Bypass in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Software
CVE-2026-0257

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor: Palo Alto Networks
Status: Cloud Ngfw; Pan-os; Prisma Access
Vendor: CVE Published:; 13 May 2026

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🥇 Trended No. 1📈 Trended📈 Score: 9,710💰 Ransomware👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 95%🦅 CISA Reported📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2026-0257?

CVE-2026-0257 is a significant vulnerability found in Palo Alto Networks' PAN-OS software, specifically affecting the GlobalProtect portal and gateway. This vulnerability facilitates an authentication bypass, allowing unauthorized users to establish a VPN connection without proper security credentials. The PAN-OS software is essential for managing network security and facilitating secure remote access for organizations. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive internal networks, potentially exposing critical data and resources to malicious actors. By leveraging this flaw, attackers can bypass essential security mechanisms, undermining the overall integrity of the organizational security posture.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-0257

Unauthorized Network Access: Exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to internal network resources, posing a severe risk to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Data Breaches: Organizations face the threat of significant data breaches, as attackers can potentially access sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and proprietary assets.
Increased Security Risks: The ability to bypass established security protocols can lead to further vulnerabilities, as attackers may use this access to deploy additional malicious activities, including data exfiltration, deploying ransomware, or infiltrating deeper into the network.

CISA has reported CVE-2026-0257

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2026-0257 as being exploited and is known by the CISA as enabling ransomware campaigns.

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

PAN-OS 12.1.0 < 12.1.7, 12.1.4-h6

PAN-OS 11.2.0 < 11.2.12, 11.2.10-h7, 11.2.7-h14, 11.2.4-h17

PAN-OS 11.1.0 < 11.1.15, 11.1.13-h5, 11.1.10-h25, 11.1.7-h6, 11.1.6-h32, 11.1.4-h33

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-0257
Created by sfewer-r7

CVE-2026-0257
Created by tushargurav28

CVE-2026-0257
Created by Mr-Robot-LP

News Articles

Hackread

CVE-2026-0257

Qilin and INC Exploit Palo Alto VPN Flaw in Ransomware Attacks

Qilin and INC ransomware operators exploit a PAN-OS vulnerability (CVE-2026-0257) to gain VPN access, then steal domain credentials from VMware virtual disks.

1 week ago

It Security News

CVE-2026-0257

Ransomware gangs have been exploiting Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN flaw since June - IT Security News

2026-10-21 13:10 Several ransomware groups are exploiting CVE-2026-0257, an authentication bypass in Palo Alto Networks’ PAN-OS GlobalProtect patched in May, to break into organizations in...

1 week ago