CVE-2013-0150 in FirePass
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in an unspecified signed Java applet in the client-side components in F5 BIG-IP APM 10.1.0 through 10.2.4 and 11.0.0 through 11.3.0, FirePass 6.0.0 through 6.1.0 and 7.0.0, and other products "when APM is provisioned," allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2021
The CVE-2013-0150 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting F5 BIG-IP APM and FirePass products across multiple versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the client-side components of these applications, exploiting a weakness in how filename parameters are processed within signed Java applets. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in filename parameters, which can lead to unauthorized file operations on the affected systems. The vulnerability exists in versions 10.1.0 through 10.2.4 and 11.0.0 through 11.3.0 of F5 BIG-IP APM, as well as FirePass 6.0.0 through 6.1.0 and 7.0.0, specifically when APM is provisioned within the environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Java applet's file handling mechanisms. When a malicious user submits a filename parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly validate these inputs before processing file operations. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and potentially access or modify files that should be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of signed Java applets, which typically have elevated privileges and can execute code with the permissions of the user running the application. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0150 extends beyond simple file access violations, as it can lead to complete system compromise and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files to the server, potentially gaining persistent access to the affected infrastructure. The implications are severe for organizations using F5 BIG-IP APM and FirePass solutions, as these products typically serve as critical access management and application delivery platforms. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish footholds within network environments. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Organizations relying on these platforms face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the compromised systems can serve as launching points for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0150 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and monitor for suspicious file upload activities. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of directory traversal sequences and implementation of proper access controls. Security teams should consider disabling unnecessary Java applet functionality and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests containing traversal sequences. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's codebase, particularly in areas involving file operations and path handling. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of executing code with elevated privileges in web applications, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing and continuous monitoring of application components.