F5OS-A: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2023-22657 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in F5OS-A from F5, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.3.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating F5OS-A to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update F5OS-A to 1.3.0 or a later version.
- Update F5OS-C to 1.5.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on my.f5.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| F5 | F5OS-A | 1.2.0 up to, but not including, 1.3.0 | 1.3.0 |
| F5 | F5OS-C | 1.3.0 up to, but not including, 1.5.0 | 1.5.0 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | CNA (f5.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
On F5OS-A beginning in version 1.2.0 to before 1.3.0 and F5OS-C beginning in version 1.3.0 to before 1.5.0, processing F5OS tenant file names may allow for command injection. 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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in F5OS-A
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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