CVE-2019-6642 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2019-6642, a privilege escalation vulnerability in F5 products allowing authenticated users to gain root shell access. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A privilege escalation vulnerability in F5 products allows authenticated users to gain root shell access, posing a significant security risk.
Understanding CVE-2019-6642
This CVE identifies a critical privilege escalation issue affecting various F5 products.
What is CVE-2019-6642?
In versions 15.0.0, 14.0.0-14.1.0.5, 13.0.0-13.1.1.5, 12.1.0-12.1.4.2, and 11.5.2-11.6.4 of BIG-IP, versions 6.0.0-6.1.0 and 5.1.0-5.4.0 of BIG-IQ, version 2.3.0 of iWorkflow, and version 3.1.1 of Enterprise Manager, authenticated users with file upload capabilities can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and gain root shell access through the TMOS Shell (tmsh) interface.
The Impact of CVE-2019-6642
- Allows authenticated users to gain root shell access
- Enables privilege escalation within the tmsh interface
Technical Details of CVE-2019-6642
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows users to execute a secondary program using tools like sftp or scp, leading to root shell access.
Affected Systems and Versions
- BIG-IP versions 15.0.0, 14.0.0-14.1.0.5, 13.0.0-13.1.1.5, 12.1.0-12.1.4.2, 11.5.2-11.6.4
- BIG-IQ versions 6.0.0-6.1.0, 5.1.0-5.4.0
- iWorkflow version 2.3.0
- Enterprise Manager version 3.1.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Users with authenticated access and file upload capabilities can exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain root shell access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from this vulnerability by following these steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by F5 to address the vulnerability
- Monitor and restrict user privileges to minimize the risk of exploitation
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch F5 products to prevent security vulnerabilities
- Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about potential risks
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by F5
- Implement a robust patch management process to ensure timely application of fixes