External risk intelligence

F5 BIG-IP TMUI Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-5902

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface. This impacts organizations using affected BIG-IP systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code. The business risk involves compromised systems, data breaches, and operational

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

F5 Big Ip Access Policy Manager

11.6.1 to before 11.6.5.212.1.0 to before 12.1.5.213.1.0 to before 13.1.3.414.1.0 to before 14.1.2.615.0.0 to 15.0.1.415.1.0 to before 15.1.0.415.0.0 to before 15.0.1.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-5902

The vulnerability affects the Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI) of F5 BIG-IP appliances. These management interfaces are commonly deployed as network-accessible services, often at the edge of the network for administrative access or gateway management, making them frequently reachable in real-world internet-facing configurations.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI) contains a vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. This flaw enables unauthorized access and execution of malicious code on affected systems. The primary impact involves potential compromise of sensitive data and disruption of critical business operations.

  • Vulnerable F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface
  • Remote code execution flaw
  • Data compromise and operational disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The attack targets the F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI), often accessible externally. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability without requiring any user interaction or special privileges. The successful exploitation would allow an attacker to gain control over the affected system.

  • Exposed TMUI.
  • Attacker gains unauthorized access.
  • Remote code execution occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical remote code execution vulnerability exists in the F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI). This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a complete compromise of the targeted device, potentially affecting all services and data managed by the BIG-IP appliance. Organizations should treat this vulnerability with high urgency.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI) allows for remote code execution, posing a significant risk to affected organizations. Attackers can exploit this to compromise systems, access sensitive data, and disrupt business operations. Addressing this vulnerability requires a structured approach to minimize the attack surface and restore system integrity.

  • Find F5 BIG-IP TMUI assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is F5 BIG-IP and its Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI)?

F5 BIG-IP is a suite of application delivery networking products used for optimizing traffic, ensuring availability, and enhancing security for applications. The Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI), also known as the Configuration utility, is the web-based interface used to manage and configure BIG-IP devices.

How does CVE-2020-5902 enable remote code execution via TMUI?

CVE-2020-5902 is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability stemming from a weakness classified as CWE-22, which relates to improper handling of directory traversal or path manipulation. This allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system through specific, undisclosed pages within the TMUI.

What are the preconditions for an attacker to exploit CVE-2020-5902?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is present in specific, undisclosed pages within the TMUI, meaning an attacker only needs to be able to access these pages over the network.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2020-5902?

Organizations using F5 BIG-IP appliances with the TMUI are at risk. Halo Surface Signal indicates this vulnerability is likely exploitable externally, as TMUI is often deployed as a network-accessible management service, potentially at the network edge.

What is the first step to address CVE-2020-5902 on F5 BIG-IP?

The primary recommended action is to apply updates provided by F5 for affected BIG-IP versions. Consult F5's official advisories for specific version information and remediation steps to protect your BIG-IP environment.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia