Get insights into CVE-2023-27378 affecting F5 BIG-IP products. Learn about reflected cross-site scripting vulnerabilities enabling JS execution. Take immediate steps for mitigation.
This CVE-2023-27378 was published on May 3, 2023, by F5. The vulnerability affects BIG-IP products and is related to multiple reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in undisclosed pages of the BIG-IP Configuration utility. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute JavaScript within the context of the currently logged-in user.
Understanding CVE-2023-27378
This section will provide insights into the nature of CVE-2023-27378 and its impact on affected systems.
What is CVE-2023-27378?
CVE-2023-27378 refers to multiple reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities within the BIG-IP Configuration utility of BIG-IP products by F5. These vulnerabilities enable malicious actors to run JavaScript in the context of the user logged into the system.
The Impact of CVE-2023-27378
The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as HIGH, with a CVSS base score of 7.5. The attack complexity is considered HIGH, and the exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all rated as HIGH.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-27378
This section dives into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves multiple reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) issues in undisclosed pages of the BIG-IP Configuration utility, allowing attackers to execute JavaScript in the context of the targeted user.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts various versions of the BIG-IP product line, including versions 17.1.0, 17.0.0, 16.1.0, 15.1.0, 14.1.0, and 13.1.0. Systems running versions less than the mentioned ones may be affected.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by injecting malicious scripts into specific pages of the BIG-IP Configuration utility, subsequently executing arbitrary JavaScript code within the user's session.
Mitigation and Prevention
Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-27378 is crucial for enhancing the security posture of affected systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their BIG-IP products to versions that have released patches addressing the XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring system activity for any signs of exploitation is recommended.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, such as input validation and output encoding, can help prevent XSS attacks. Regular security audits and training for system administrators can also enhance overall security awareness.
Patching and Updates
F5 has released patches for the affected BIG-IP versions to address the XSS vulnerabilities. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the security of their systems.