CVE-2020-5881 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in BIG-IP VE versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.3, and 13.1.0-13.1.3.3 could lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2020-5881

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the BIG-IP Virtual Edition (VE) software that can result in a DoS condition.

What is CVE-2020-5881?

The vulnerability occurs when BIG-IP VE is configured with VLAN groups and connected devices with OSPF, causing NDAL Interfaces to lock up, disrupting communication between mcpd and tmm processes.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5881

The vulnerability can be exploited to trigger a DoS attack, potentially disrupting network communication and services.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5881

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in BIG-IP VE versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.3, and 13.1.0-13.1.3.3 due to NDAL Interfaces locking up, affecting mcpd and tmm processes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: BIG-IP VE
Versions: 15.0.0-15.1.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.3, 13.1.0-13.1.3.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the configuration of VLAN groups and OSPF-connected devices to disrupt NDAL Interfaces.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5881 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

F5 has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these patches to secure the system.