CVE-2007-0188 in FirePass
Summary
by MITRE
F5 FirePass 5.4 through 5.5.1 does not properly enforce host access restrictions when a client uses a single integer (dword) representation of an IP address ("dotless IP address"), which allows remote authenticated users to connect to the FirePass administrator console and certain other network resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0188 affects F5 FirePass appliances running versions 5.4 through 5.5.1, representing a significant security flaw in network access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of IP address representations during host access restriction enforcement, creating a critical bypass opportunity for authenticated attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when clients utilize dotless IP addresses, which are single integer representations of IP addresses commonly used in certain network protocols and applications. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and access control enforcement that undermines the fundamental security model of the FirePass appliance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the difference between traditional dotted decimal IP address notation and the single integer representation used in certain network contexts. When a client presents an IP address in dotless format, the FirePass appliance fails to properly normalize or validate this input against the configured access control lists. This improper handling allows authenticated users to bypass host-based access restrictions that should prevent access to the administrator console and other sensitive network resources. The flaw essentially creates a pathway where IP address validation logic is circumvented through the use of alternative IP address representations, enabling unauthorized access to privileged functions.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on F5 FirePass for network access control and authentication services. Authenticated users who can manipulate their IP address representation can gain access to administrative interfaces and network resources that should be restricted to specific IP ranges or host addresses. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where legitimate users can bypass network segmentation policies and gain access to sensitive administrative functions. The impact extends beyond simple access control bypass, potentially allowing attackers to modify system configurations, access confidential data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to F5 FirePass versions that address this vulnerability, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and proper input validation as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive IP address handling within security appliances, as specified in various security standards including those related to access control and network segmentation. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of access attempts to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The flaw represents a specific instance of CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. Network segmentation controls should be reinforced through multiple layers of security, as this vulnerability shows that single points of failure in IP address validation can compromise entire access control systems.