CVE-2022-0028: A PAN-OS URL filtering policy misconfiguration could allow a network-based attacker to conduct reflected and amplified TCP denial-of-service (RDoS) at...

Description

A PAN-OS URL filtering policy misconfiguration could allow a network-based attacker to conduct reflected and amplified TCP denial-of-service (RDoS) attacks. The DoS attack would appear to originate from a Palo Alto Networks PA-Series (hardware), VM-Series (virtual) and CN-Series (container) firewall against an attacker-specified target. To be misused by an external attacker, the firewall configuration must have a URL filtering profile with one or more blocked categories assigned to a source zone that has an external facing interface. This configuration is not typical for URL filtering and, if set, is likely unintended by the administrator. If exploited, this issue would not impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our products. However, the resulting denial-of-service (DoS) attack may help obfuscate the identity of the attacker and implicate the firewall as the source of the attack. We have taken prompt action to address this issue in our PAN-OS software. All software updates for this issue are expected to be released no later than the week of August 15, 2022. This issue does not impact Panorama M-Series or Panorama virtual appliances. This issue has been resolved for all Cloud NGFW and Prisma Access customers and no additional action is required from them.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.6/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.02%

78.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Sep 12, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-406

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 8.1.0, < 8.1.23
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 9.0.0, < 9.0.16
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 9.1.0, < 9.1.14
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 10.0.0, < 10.0.11
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 10.1.0, < 10.1.6
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	>= 10.2.0, < 10.2.2
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	8.1.23
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	9.0.16
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	9.1.14
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	10.0.11
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	10.1.6
Paloaltonetworks	Pan-Os	10.2.2

References

https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2022-0028Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2022-0028Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-0028US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Aug 10, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-0028?

A PAN-OS URL filtering policy misconfiguration could allow a network-based attacker to conduct reflected and amplified TCP denial-of-service (RDoS) attacks. The DoS attack would appear to originate from a Palo Alto Networks PA-Series (hardware), VM-Series (virtual) and CN-Series (container) firewall against an attacker-specified target. To be misused by an external attacker, the firewall configuration must have a URL filtering profile with one or more blocked categories assigned to a source zone that has an external facing interface. This configuration is not typical for URL filtering and, if set, is likely unintended by the administrator. If exploited, this issue would not impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our products. However, the resulting denial-of-service (DoS) attack may help obfuscate the identity of the attacker and implicate the firewall as the source of the attack. We have taken prompt action to address this issue in our PAN-OS software. All software updates for this issue are expected to be released no later than the week of August 15, 2022. This issue does not impact Panorama M-Series or Panorama virtual appliances. This issue has been resolved for all Cloud NGFW and Prisma Access customers and no additional action is required from them.

How severe is CVE-2022-0028?

CVE-2022-0028 has a CVSS score of 8.6/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.02% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2022-0028?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.