CVE-2021-3036

PAN-OS: Administrator secrets are logged in web server logs when using the PAN-OS XML API incorrectly

Description

An information exposure through log file vulnerability exists in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software where secrets in PAN-OS XML API requests are logged in cleartext to the web server logs when the API is used incorrectly. This vulnerability applies only to PAN-OS appliances that are configured to use the PAN-OS XML API and exists only when a client includes a duplicate API parameter in API requests. Logged information includes the cleartext username, password, and API key of the administrator making the PAN-OS XML API request.

Remediation

Solution:

  • This issue is fixed in PAN-OS 8.1.19, PAN-OS 9.0.12, PAN-OS 9.1.6, PAN-OS 10.0.1, and all later PAN-OS versions. After you upgrade the PAN-OS appliance, you must change the passwords and generate a new API key for all impacted PAN-OS administrators.

Workaround:

  • You must change the passwords and generate a new API key for all impacted PAN-OS administrators. Confirm that there aren’t any PAN-OS XML API requests that repeat API parameters in the request.

Category

4.4
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.14%
Vendor Advisory paloaltonetworks.com
Affected: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-3036?
CVE-2021-3036 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-3036?
To fix CVE-2021-3036: This issue is fixed in PAN-OS 8.1.19, PAN-OS 9.0.12, PAN-OS 9.1.6, PAN-OS 10.0.1, and all later PAN-OS versions. After you upgrade the PAN-OS appliance, you must change the passwords and generate a new API key for all impacted PAN-OS administrators.
Is CVE-2021-3036 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-3036 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-3036?
CVE-2021-3036 affects Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.