CVE-2021-3036: PAN-OS: Administrator secrets are logged in web server logs when using the PAN-OS XML API incorrectly

Severity: low (CVSS 2.1 v2.0)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.2% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2021-04-20 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-532

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.

Affected products

Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS: from 8.1.0 before 8.1.19; from 9.0.0 before 9.0.12; from 9.1.0 before 9.1.6; from 10.0.0 before 10.0.1 — fixed in 8.1.19, 9.0.12, 9.1.6, 10.0.1
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS: from 8.1 before 8.1.19; from 9.0 before 9.0.12; from 9.1 before 9.1.6; from 10.0 before 10.0.1 — fixed in 8.1.19, 9.0.12, 9.1.6, 10.0.1

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 8.1.19, 9.0.12, 9.1.6, 10.0.1; Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 8.1.19, 9.0.12, 9.1.6, 10.0.1. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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