> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/networking/appsec-pan-13.md).

# IPsec profile uses insecure authentication protocols on Palo Alto Networks devices misconfiguration

## Rule Details

|                        |                                            |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_PAN\_13                            |
| Category - Subcategory | Public Exposure - Encryption And Protocols |
| Provider               | OTHER                                      |
| Severity               | MEDIUM                                     |
| Framework              | Ansible                                    |

## Impact

This rule detects whether IPsec profiles in Palo Alto Networks devices use insecure protocols. Specifically, it emphasizes avoiding the AH (Authentication Header) protocol in IPsec configurations due to its lack of encryption and lower security compared to ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload). It promotes the use of ESP for secure IPsec tunnels.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* panos\_security\_rule

* *Attribute:* application

To mitigate this issue, define the application attribute in your panos\_security\_rule resources with specific applications instead of 'any'. Specifying applications enhances security by ensuring that only traffic corresponding to the defined applications is matched by the rule.

Secure Code Example:

## In this example, setting the `application` to specific values rather than 'any' ensures that only traffic corresponding to the defined applications is matched by the rule, thereby enhancing network security. \[source,go]

* name: Ensure application is defined specifically in security rules paloaltonetworks.panos.panos\_security\_rule: name: "example-rule" application: \['web-browsing', 'ssl']

***


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/networking/appsec-pan-13.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.