CVE-2019-6688 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-6688, an information disclosure vulnerability in F5's BIG-IP and BIG-IQ products. Find out how to mitigate the risk and protect your systems.
In BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.0.1.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.2, 14.0.0-14.0.1, 13.1.0-13.1.3.1, 12.1.0-12.1.5, and 11.5.2-11.6.5, as well as in BIG-IQ versions 6.0.0-6.1.0 and 5.2.0-5.4.0, a user has the ability to acquire the secret code used for encrypting a BIG-IP UCS backup file while initiating an SNMP query to the BIG-IP or BIG-IQ system. However, this user does not have access to the UCS files themselves.
Understanding CVE-2019-6688
This CVE involves an information disclosure vulnerability in F5's BIG-IP and BIG-IQ products.
What is CVE-2019-6688?
CVE-2019-6688 allows a user to obtain the secret code used to encrypt a BIG-IP UCS backup file through an SNMP query, without access to the UCS files.
The Impact of CVE-2019-6688
This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the UCS backup files, potentially compromising the confidentiality of data.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-6688
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows a user to extract the encryption key for a BIG-IP UCS backup file by sending an SNMP query to the system.
Affected Systems and Versions
- BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.0.1.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.2, 14.0.0-14.0.1, 13.1.0-13.1.3.1, 12.1.0-12.1.5, 11.5.2-11.6.5
- BIG-IQ versions 6.0.0-6.1.0, 5.2.0-5.4.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by initiating an SNMP query to the BIG-IP or BIG-IQ system to retrieve the secret code used for encryption.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2019-6688 with the following measures:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious SNMP queries.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement network segmentation to limit access to critical systems.
- Regularly review and update SNMP configurations to enhance security.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from F5 and apply patches as soon as they are available.