BIG-IP: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2025-23239 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in BIG-IP from F5, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.7 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. The record lists version 17.1.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating BIG-IP to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update BIG-IP to 17.1.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on my.f5.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| F5 | BIG-IP | 17.1.1 up to, but not including, 17.1.2 | 17.1.2 |
| F5 | Big-ip Access Policy Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Advanced Firewall Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Analytics | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Application Acceleration Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Application Security Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Domain Name System | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Fraud Protection Service | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Global Traffic Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Link Controller | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Local Traffic Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
| F5 | Big-ip Policy Enforcement Manager | 17.1.1 | Not stated |
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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.5 | High | CNA (f5.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | CNA (f5.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | NVD |
Official description
When running in Appliance mode, and logged into a highly-privileged role, an authenticated remote command injection vulnerability exists in an undisclosed iControl REST endpoint. A successful exploit can allow the attacker to cross a security boundary. 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 BIG-IP
- 9.8 Critical severity
F5 BIG-IP APM Heap-based Buffer Overflow Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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