External risk intelligence

F5 BIG-IP SQL Injection Vulnerability Leads to Command Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-46748

A vulnerability in the BIG-IP Configuration utility allows authenticated attackers to execute system commands. This could impact system integrity and availability. The realistic business risk involves potential unauthorized access and control over affected systems.

4Halo Surface Signal

SQL Injection

F5 Big Ip Access Policy Manager

13.1.0 to 13.1.514.1.0 to 14.1.515.1.0 to 15.1.1016.1.0 to 16.1.417.1.0 to 17.1.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-46748

This vulnerability affects the F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility. While the vulnerability requires authentication, the management interface for such network appliances is commonly deployed as an administrative surface that may be accessible over the network, including edge-facing or gateway environments where such management portals are often placed.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The BIG-IP Configuration utility is vulnerable to an SQL injection flaw. This weakness allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary system commands. The potential impact includes unauthorized system control and data compromise.

  • Vulnerable BIG-IP Configuration utility
  • SQL injection flaw
  • Arbitrary system command execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in the BIG-IP Configuration utility allows an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands. This exploit requires network access to the management port or self IP addresses and an existing user account. The attacker can then leverage this access to compromise the system.

  • Requires authenticated access.
  • Attacker accesses the configuration utility.
  • SQL injection leads to command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in the BIG-IP Configuration utility. This issue could allow an attacker with existing access to the utility to execute arbitrary system commands. The potential for misuse necessitates careful consideration of the affected systems.

  • Attacker skill: Moderate
  • Access required: Authenticated user
  • Business risk: High urgency

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in the BIG-IP Configuration utility poses a risk of arbitrary system command execution. This could impact the integrity and availability of affected systems and the data they manage. Attackers with network access to the Configuration utility could leverage this vulnerability to compromise the organization's security posture.

  • Identify exposed BIG-IP assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply the vendor fix and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is the F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility?

The F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility, also known as TMUI, is a web-based interface for managing BIG-IP systems. It allows users to configure, operate, and troubleshoot various aspects of the system, including network settings and traffic objects.

What is CVE-2023-46748? What is its weakness class?

CVE-2023-46748 is an SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) in the F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility. This weakness allows an authenticated attacker with network access to execute arbitrary system commands.

How can CVE-2023-46748 be exploited? What is its scope?

An authenticated attacker with network access to the Configuration utility, via the BIG-IP management port or self IP addresses, can exploit this vulnerability. The impact is limited to the control plane; there is no data plane exposure.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-46748 and its inclusion on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog?

CVE-2023-46748 is highly relevant as it is listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild. This requires immediate attention and remediation for federal agencies by specific deadlines and is a strong signal for all organizations to prioritize patching.

What actions should be taken to respond to CVE-2023-46748?

Immediate actions include applying hotfixes or engineering hotfixes provided by F5. If immediate patching is not possible, recommended mitigations involve restricting access to the Configuration utility by blocking it through self-IP addresses or the management interface, and limiting access to trusted users and devices over secure networks. If a device is unpatched, it should be considered compromised and restored.

References