CVE-2024-5916 is an information exposure vulnerability identified in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS versions 10.2 and 11.0. The vulnerability stems from the cleartext storage of sensitive information such as secrets, passwords, and tokens related to external systems within configuration logs accessible on disk. Specifically, a local system administrator with read-only privileges can access these configuration logs and inadvertently disclose critical authentication credentials. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-313, which concerns cleartext storage in files or on disk, leading to potential unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability does not require network access or user interaction but does require local privileged access with read-only administrator rights. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.0 (medium severity), reflecting that while the vulnerability allows exposure of sensitive information, it requires a privileged local user and does not directly impact system availability or integrity. The vulnerability is significant because PAN-OS is widely deployed in enterprise network security appliances, and exposure of credentials could facilitate lateral movement, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to external integrated systems. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should proactively monitor and mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, the exposure of secrets and credentials in PAN-OS configuration logs could lead to serious security breaches. Attackers or malicious insiders with local read-only access could harvest credentials to external systems, potentially compromising integrated services such as cloud platforms, VPNs, or third-party security tools. This could result in unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical business operations. Given the reliance on Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security appliances across many sectors including finance, telecommunications, and government in Europe, the impact could extend to critical infrastructure and sensitive data environments. The confidentiality of sensitive information is primarily at risk, while integrity and availability impacts are indirect but possible if attackers leverage the exposed credentials to escalate privileges or disrupt services. The requirement for local privileged access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple administrators or where endpoint security is weak.

1. Restrict local administrative access strictly to trusted personnel and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users with read-only admin rights. 2. Implement robust endpoint security controls and monitoring on devices running PAN-OS to detect unauthorized access or suspicious activity involving configuration logs. 3. Regularly audit and review access logs and configuration files for unauthorized access or unusual read patterns. 4. Encrypt sensitive configuration files or logs at rest where possible, or use file system permissions to tightly control access. 5. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 6. Monitor Palo Alto Networks advisories for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider segregating management interfaces and limiting network exposure of devices running PAN-OS to reduce the risk of local access by unauthorized users. 8. Rotate and revoke any exposed credentials or tokens immediately upon discovery to limit potential misuse.