Overview
Recently, NSFOCUS CERT detected that F5 issued a security bulletin to fix an authentication bypass vulnerability in BIG-IP. Unauthenticated attackers can use the control interface to exploit, through the BIG-IP management interface or its own IP address. Network access to the iControl REST interface to execute arbitrary system commands, create or delete files, and disable services. The CVSS score is 9.8, and details have been disclosed so far, and relevant users are requested to take measures to protect them as soon as possible.
F5 BIG-IP is an application delivery platform of F5 Company in the United States that integrates network traffic management, application security management, load balancing and other functions. Users can have lightweight and fast interaction with F5 devices through iControl REST.
Reference link: https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K23605346
Scope of Impact
Affected version
- BIG-IP 16.1.0 – 16.1.2
- BIG-IP 15.1.0 – 15.1.5
- BIG-IP 14.1.0 – 14.1.4
- BIG-IP 13.1.0 – 13.1.4
- BIG-IP 12.1.0 – 12.1.6
- BIG-IP 11.6.1 – 11.6.5
Unaffected version
- BIG-IP 16.1.2.2
- BIG-IP 15.1.5.1
- BIG-IP 14.1.4.6
- BIG-IP 13.1.5
Vulnerability Detection
Users can check the current version by entering the following command in the TMOS shell (tmsh):
show /sys version
Users can also log in to the web management interface to view the current BIG-IP version:
A security risk exists if the version is in the affected range.
Mitigation
Official Update
At present, the F5 official has fixed this vulnerability in the latest version, please upgrade the version for protection as soon as possible for affected users, the official download link: https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K9502
Please refer to the upgrade guide and precautions: https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K13123
Temporary Mitigation
If the relevant user is temporarily unable to perform the upgrade operation, the following measures can be taken to alleviate it.
1. Block access to the iControl REST interface of the BIG-IP system through its own IP address;
2. Restrict iControl REST access to only trusted users and devices via the management interface;
3. Modify the BIG-IP httpd configuration.
For details, please refer to the official documentation:
https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K23605346
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.
NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).
A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
