CVE-2025-0131
GlobalProtect App: Incorrect Privilege Management Vulnerability in OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK
An incorrect privilege management vulnerability in the OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK used by the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect™ app on Windows devices allows a locally authenticated non-administrative Windows user to escalate their privileges to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM. However, execution requires that the local user also successfully exploits a race condition, which makes this vulnerability difficult to exploit.
Fixes and workarounds
Fix
This issue is fixed in MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK 4.3.4451 on Windows, and all later MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK versions on Windows. To mitigate this issue in the GlobalProtect App on Windows update to one of the listed versions (these versions include the updated MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK): Version Suggested Solution GlobalProtect App 6.3 on WindowsUpgrade to 6.3.3 or laterGlobalProtect App 6.2 on Windows Upgrade to 6.2.8 or later GlobalProtect App 6.1 on Windows Upgrade to 6.2.8 or later or 6.3.3 or later GlobalProtect App 6.0 on Windows Upgrade to 6.2.8 or later or 6.3.3 or later GlobalProtect App on macOSNot applicableGlobalProtect App on LinuxNot applicableGlobalProtect App on iOSNot applicableGlobalProtect App on AndroidNot applicableGlobalProtect UWP AppNot applicable
Source: CNA: palo_altoWorkaround
No known workarounds or mitigations exist for this issue.
Source: CNA: palo_altoAffected products and versions
| Product | Versions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK OPSWAT Platforms: Windows |
≥ 4.3.0; < 4.3.4451 (affected, custom); unaffected at 4.3.4451
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: palo_alto |
Version ranges are source assertions. Check the vendor advisory and your installed configuration before determining exposure.
CVSS assessments
| Version / score | Vector | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 / 7.1 high |
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/AU:N/R:U/V:D/U:Amber | CNA: palo_alto |
Exploit evidence
No exploit evidence in collected sources. This is not proof of no exploitation.
References
- https://security.paloaltonetworks.com/CVE-2025-0131CNA: palo_alto · third-party-advisory
- https://www.opswat.com/docs/mdsdk/release-notes/cve-2025-0131CNA: palo_alto · vendor-advisory
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