Qilin and INC Ransomware Groups Exploit Palo Alto Networks Flaw to Bypass MFA

Used in attacksCriticalThe Hacker News · info@thehackernews.com (The Hacker News)·

At a glance

Severity
Critical
Used in attacks
Yes, 1 of 1 flaw named
Flaws named
CVE-2026-0257
Vendors and products
Palo Alto
Hacker groups and malware
Qilin
Reported by
1 outlet

Palo Alto Networks has disclosed that it's continuing to observe exploitation of a now-patched security flaw impacting PAN-OS and Prisma Access by ransomware actors. The activity relates to CVE-2026-0257 (CVSS score: 7.8), an authentication bypass flaw that could be exploited by bad actors to set up unauthorized VPN connections. It was patched by Palo Alto Networks in May 2026 and was…

We summarise and link; this source is not one we hold a licence to reproduce. Everything below is what CyberBrief adds: the vulnerabilities involved, whether they are being exploited, who is named, and who else covered it.

Vulnerabilities referenced

  • CVE-2026-0257Not scored yet

    Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS

    Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass security restrictions and establish an unauthorized VPN connection.

    Used in attacksUsed by ransomware gangs

    Added to CISA's list 2026-05-29

    Full record →

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Coverage

One outlet has carried this so far.

  1. The Hacker News ↗Established SourceFirst reported

    2026-10-20 15:32 UTC

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