CVE-2025-4618 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-316, indicating cleartext storage of sensitive information in memory within Palo Alto Networks Prisma Browser version 142.15.6.0. The issue allows a locally authenticated user without administrative privileges to retrieve sensitive data that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability stems from the Prisma Browser's failure to adequately protect sensitive information in memory, potentially exposing credentials, tokens, or other confidential data to unauthorized local users. The attack vector is local access with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. The vulnerability does not affect availability or integrity significantly but impacts confidentiality with high impact. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.4 (medium), reflecting limited scope and privileges required. No known exploits have been reported, but the risk remains for insider threats or compromised user accounts. Mitigation includes enabling the Prisma Browser's self-protection features, which likely implement memory encryption or access controls to prevent unauthorized memory reads. No patches are currently listed, so organizations must rely on configuration changes or await vendor updates. This vulnerability underscores the need for secure handling of sensitive data in memory, especially in security-focused browsers used in enterprise environments.

For European organizations, the primary impact is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored in Prisma Browser's memory. This could include authentication tokens, session data, or other confidential information, which if accessed by a local non-admin user, could lead to further compromise or lateral movement within the network. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but raises concerns about insider threats, shared workstations, or compromised user accounts. Confidentiality breaches could affect compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, leading to legal and reputational consequences. Organizations in sectors with high security requirements, such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure, may face elevated risks. The vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or integrity but could be a stepping stone for more severe attacks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially in environments where Prisma Browser is widely deployed.

1. Immediately enable Prisma Browser's self-protection features as recommended by Palo Alto Networks to reduce the risk of sensitive data exposure in memory. 2. Restrict local access to systems running Prisma Browser to trusted users only, employing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual local activity. 3. Implement endpoint security solutions capable of detecting unauthorized memory access or suspicious local user behavior. 4. Regularly audit user privileges and remove unnecessary local accounts to minimize the attack surface. 5. Monitor Palo Alto Networks advisories for patches addressing this vulnerability and apply updates promptly once available. 6. Educate users about the risks of local credential theft and enforce strong authentication mechanisms to prevent account compromise. 7. Consider deploying Prisma Browser in isolated or hardened environments where local access is tightly controlled. 8. Use memory protection technologies at the OS level, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), to add layers of defense.