CVE-2020-5853 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in BIG-IP APM versions 11.5.2-15.1.0 could allow for XSS attacks leading to internal portal access name conflicts.

Understanding CVE-2020-5853

This CVE involves a security issue in F5's BIG-IP APM affecting various versions.

What is CVE-2020-5853?

The vulnerability in BIG-IP APM versions 11.5.2-15.1.0 allows malicious JavaScript code on backend servers to cause conflicts in internal portal access names.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5853

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5853

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when backend servers serve HTTP pages with specific JavaScript code, creating internal portal access name conflicts.

Affected Systems and Versions

BIG-IP APM versions 15.0.0-15.1.0
BIG-IP APM versions 14.0.0-14.1.2.3
BIG-IP APM versions 13.1.0-13.1.3.2
BIG-IP APM versions 12.1.0-12.1.5
BIG-IP APM versions 11.5.2-11.6.5.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript code into HTTP responses from backend servers, triggering conflicts in internal portal access names.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-5853, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by F5 promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.
Implement strict input validation to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing regularly.
Educate users and administrators on security best practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you update BIG-IP APM to the latest patched versions to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.