Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect Vulnerability Enabling Root-Level Access

Palo Alto Networks has disclosed a significant security vulnerability in its Autonomous Digital Experience Manager software that could allow attackers to gain root-level access on macOS systems.

 The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-0139, affects versions 5.6.0 through 5.6.6 of the software and has been assigned a CVSS base score of 6.3, though the company’s internal scoring system rates it as LOW severity with MODERATE urgency.

Vulnerability Details and Technical Impact

The security flaw stems from an incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability that enables a locally authenticated user with low-level privileges to escalate their access to root level on macOS endpoints.

According to the vulnerability disclosure, this privilege escalation occurs through the software’s improper handling of user permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors who have already gained initial access to a system to expand their control significantly.

The vulnerability requires no special configuration to be exploitable, making it particularly concerning for organizations running affected versions.

An attacker would need local access to the system and low-level user privileges to exploit this flaw, but no user interaction is required once the attack is initiated. The attack complexity is rated as LOW, indicating that exploitation does not require sophisticated techniques or tools.

Palo Alto Networks has confirmed that they are not currently aware of any malicious exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild.

The exploit maturity is classified as “UNREPORTED,” suggesting that no public proof-of-concept code or active exploitation campaigns have been identified.

However, the potential impact remains significant, as successful exploitation could grant attackers complete control over affected macOS systems.

The vulnerability’s impact profile shows that while initial confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are minimal or nonexistent, the subsequent impact across all three security pillars is rated as HIGH.

This indicates that once privilege escalation occurs, attackers could potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and disrupt system operations.

Resolution and Mitigation Strategies

Palo Alto Networks has released version 5.6.7 as the definitive solution for this vulnerability. Organizations running Autonomous Digital Experience Manager versions 5.6.0 through 5.6.6 on macOS are strongly advised to upgrade immediately to version 5.6.7 or later.

The company has confirmed that no workarounds or temporary mitigations are available for this issue, making the software update the only viable protection method.

The vulnerability was discovered externally and reported under reference DEM-9950, published on July 9, 2025.

Security teams should prioritize this update in their patching schedules, particularly given the moderate urgency rating and the potential for significant system compromise.

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