CVE-2026-0246: Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent privilege escalation

CVE-2026-0246 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-05-13

A security flaw in the Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent allows a standard user on a computer to gain full administrative control. The Prisma Access Agent is software used to securely connect remote employees to corporate networks. If exploited, an attacker who already has basic access to a laptop or workstation could take over the entire system, access sensitive files, and install malicious software.

Technologies: Apple macOS, Linux Kernel, Microsoft Windows, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent. Vendors: Apple, Linux, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-0246 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-0246 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-0246?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 May 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent < 26.2.1 (Linux, macOS, Windows), < 26.2.1 on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-0246?
A patch was published on 2026-06-04: Estimated patch availability for affected platforms Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-0246 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in a network appliance.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-0246?
Check whether you run Apple macOS, Linux Kernel, Microsoft Windows or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Technical details

A vulnerability classified as Missing Authorization (CWE-862) exists in the privilege management mechanism of the Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent. A locally authenticated non-administrative user can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges to 'root' on macOS and Linux or 'NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM' on Windows. The attack requires low privileges and no user interaction. Successful exploitation allows for arbitrary code execution and unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The issue is fixed in Prisma Access Agent version 26.2.1; mobile platforms (iOS, Android, ChromeOS) are not affected.

Affected products

  • Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access Agent < 26.2.1 (Linux, macOS, Windows)

Timeline

  • 2026-05-13: disclosed: Initial publication by Palo Alto Networks
  • 2026-05-13: advisory
  • 2026-06-04: patched: Estimated patch availability for affected platforms

References

This page as Markdown. Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with a link back.