CVE-2025-0111 is an authenticated file read vulnerability classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software specifically impacting the Cloud NGFW product. The vulnerability allows an attacker who has authenticated network access to the management web interface to read arbitrary files on the PAN-OS filesystem that are readable by the 'nobody' user. This means the attacker can potentially access sensitive configuration or system files that could aid further attacks or information gathering. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network, but does require valid credentials with at least limited privileges (PR:L). The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates no attack complexity (AC:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and no privileges beyond authentication (PR:L). The impact is primarily on confidentiality (V:C), with no impact on integrity or availability. Palo Alto Networks has not reported any known exploits in the wild and the vulnerability does not affect other Cloud NGFW variants or Prisma Access software. Mitigation recommendations focus on restricting management interface access to trusted internal IP addresses and following Palo Alto's deployment best practices to minimize exposure. The vulnerability was published on February 12, 2025, and is considered high severity with a CVSS score of 7.1.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-0111 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files on the PAN-OS filesystem, which could include configuration files, logs, or other data accessible by the 'nobody' user. For European organizations, this could lead to leakage of sensitive network configuration details or credentials, potentially facilitating further attacks such as lateral movement or privilege escalation. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access to the management interface, the risk is elevated if credentials are compromised or if internal network segmentation is weak. The confidentiality breach could affect compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations if sensitive personal or operational data is exposed. The lack of impact on integrity and availability means the threat is less about disruption and more about information theft. Organizations operating critical infrastructure or handling sensitive data are at higher risk, especially if they rely heavily on Palo Alto Cloud NGFW for perimeter defense and management. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt mitigation.

1. Restrict access to the PAN-OS management web interface strictly to trusted internal IP addresses using firewall rules and network segmentation to minimize exposure. 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), for all users accessing the management interface to reduce risk from credential compromise. 3. Regularly audit and monitor access logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts to the management interface. 4. Follow Palo Alto Networks’ recommended best practices for securing management access as detailed in their official guidelines. 5. Keep PAN-OS software up to date with the latest patches and security updates once available to address this vulnerability. 6. Consider implementing network-level protections such as VPNs or jump hosts for management access to add additional security layers. 7. Limit the number of users with management interface access and apply the principle of least privilege to reduce potential attack surface. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on management interface security to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.