BIG-IP (Advanced WAF, APM, ASM): Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2022-27806 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in BIG-IP (Advanced WAF, APM, ASM) from F5, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected BIG-IP (Advanced WAF, APM, ASM) versions: 16.1.x; 15.1.x; 14.1.x, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.52% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 75% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update BIG-IP Guided Configuration (GC) to 9.0 or a later version.
- Update Big-ip Guided Configuration to 9.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.f5.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| F5 | BIG-IP (Advanced WAF, APM, ASM) | 16.1.x; 15.1.x; 14.1.x; 13.1.x; 12.1.x; 11.6.x | Not stated |
| F5 | BIG-IP Guided Configuration (GC) | All up to, but not including, 9.0 | 9.0 |
| F5 | Big-ip Access Policy Manager | 13.1.0; 13.1.1; 13.1.3; 13.1.4; 13.1.5; 14.1.0; 14.1.2; 14.1.3; and 10 more ranges | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Advanced Web Application Firewall | 13.1.0; 13.1.1; 13.1.3; 13.1.4; 13.1.5; 14.1.0; 14.1.2; 14.1.3; and 10 more ranges | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Application Security Manager | 13.1.0; 13.1.1; 13.1.3; 13.1.4; 13.1.5; 14.1.0; 14.1.2; 14.1.3; and 10 more ranges | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Guided Configuration | before 9.0 | 9.0 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | CNA (f5.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.0 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
On all versions of 16.1.x, 15.1.x, 14.1.x, 13.1.x, 12.1.x, and 11.6.x of F5 BIG-IP Advanced WAF, ASM, and ASM, and F5 BIG-IP Guided Configuration (GC) all versions prior to 9.0, when running in Appliance mode, an authenticated attacker assigned the Administrator role may be able to bypass Appliance mode restrictions, utilizing command injection vulnerabilities in undisclosed URIs in F5 BIG-IP Guided Configuration. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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