CVE-2022-0012

Cortex XDR Agent: Local Arbitrary File Deletion Vulnerability

HIGH

7.1

CVSS Score

Published: January 12, 2022 at 05:30 PM UTC

Updated: June 17, 2026 at 04:19 AM UTC

1 product affected across 1 vendorCortex XDR Agent· also runs on 1 platform

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Severity

HIGH7.1

Exploit prediction

EPSS 0.2%

Description

An improper link resolution before file access vulnerability exists in the Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR agent on Windows platforms that enables a local user to delete arbitrary system files and impact the system integrity or cause a denial of service condition. This issue impacts: Cortex XDR agent 5.0 versions earlier than Cortex XDR agent 5.0.12; Cortex XDR agent 6.1 versions earlier than Cortex XDR agent 6.1.9; Cortex XDR agent 7.2 versions earlier than Cortex XDR agent 7.2.4; Cortex XDR agent 7.3 versions earlier than Cortex XDR agent 7.3.2.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

Cortex XDR Agent · Palo Alto Networks

95%

5.0 ≤ v < 5.0.126.1 ≤ v < 6.1.97.2 ≤ v < 7.2.47.3 ≤ v < 7.3.25.0 6.1 7.2 7.3

Affected range stops below 5.0.12, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

Affected range stops below 6.1.9, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

Affected range stops below 7.2.4, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

Affected range stops below 7.3.2, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

Vendor states this is fixed in 7.4.* (unaffected)

Vendor states this is fixed in 7.5.* (unaffected)

Vendor states this is fixed in 7.6.* (unaffected)

microsoft-windows (environment)

Runs on — not affected

The affected product only carries this flaw when running on these platforms. The platforms themselves are not vulnerable.

Windows · Microsoft

95%

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

Patch and advisory references

https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2022-0012

References (1)

x_refsource_MISCVendor Advisory

Source: [email protected]

https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2022-0012

CVSS

7.1HIGH[email protected]

Attack Vector: LOCAL
Complexity: LOW
Privileges: LOW
User Interaction: NONE
Scope: UNCHANGED
Confidentiality: NONE
Integrity: HIGH
Availability: HIGH

Vector?

Quick Info

StatusMODIFIED

CWE

CWE-59

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