Overview
CVE-2025-4616 is a security vulnerability affecting Palo Alto Networks Prisma® Browser. Discovered on 2025-11-14, this vulnerability allows a locally authenticated, non-administrative user to potentially revert the browser’s security controls due to insufficient validation of untrusted input. This could lead to a compromise of the security posture intended for the Prisma Browser environment.
Technical Details
The core of CVE-2025-4616 lies in the insufficient validation of input received by Prisma Browser. A locally authenticated, non-admin user can manipulate input in a way that circumvents the intended security measures. This could involve modifying configuration files or leveraging specific browser functionalities in unintended ways to disable or bypass security controls. The precise method of exploitation depends on the specific implementation details of the Prisma Browser and the vulnerable input channels. Further investigation is needed to understand the exact attack vectors.
CVSS Analysis
At the time of writing, a CVSS score is not available (N/A) for CVE-2025-4616. This is likely due to the novelty of the vulnerability or ongoing analysis. The CVSS score will be crucial in determining the severity and prioritizing remediation efforts. Factors considered in determining the score will include attack vector, attack complexity, privileges required, user interaction, scope, confidentiality impact, integrity impact, and availability impact.
Possible Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-4616 could be significant, despite being limited to locally authenticated users. A successful exploit could allow a non-admin user to:
- Bypass security policies enforced by Prisma Browser.
- Access restricted websites or services.
- Potentially escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive data if the browser is used to access internal resources.
- Expose the system to malware or other threats if security controls are disabled.
The overall risk depends on the specific environment where Prisma Browser is deployed and the sensitivity of the data it handles.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The primary mitigation strategy is to apply the security patch released by Palo Alto Networks as soon as it becomes available. Palo Alto Networks typically provides detailed instructions and release notes alongside their patches. In the meantime, consider the following temporary mitigation measures:
- Monitor Prisma Browser activity for suspicious behavior.
- Restrict local user access to systems running Prisma Browser where feasible.
- Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and prevent potential exploits.
Refer to Palo Alto Networks’ advisory for the official patch and detailed remediation steps.
