CVE-2014-8727 in BIG-IP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in F5 BIG-IP before 10.2.2 allow local users with the "Resource Administrator" or "Administrator" role to enumerate and delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the name parameter to (1) tmui/Control/jspmap/tmui/system/archive/properties.jsp or (2) tmui/Control/form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The CVE-2014-8727 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in F5 BIG-IP appliances running versions prior to 10.2.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface of the F5 BIG-IP system, which is widely deployed for application delivery and load balancing in enterprise environments. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the tmui management interface components, particularly in the handling of file operations through the JSP-based web pages. Attackers with legitimate access to the system as users possessing either the "Resource Administrator" or "Administrator" roles can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized file operations on the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the name parameter within specific JSP endpoints to execute directory traversal attacks. The affected paths include tmui/Control/jspmap/tmui/system/archive/properties.jsp and tmui/Control/form, both of which process user-supplied input without proper sanitization. When attackers submit malicious input containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the name parameter, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file system operations. This allows the traversal of directory structures beyond the intended scope, enabling attackers to access and manipulate files that should remain protected within the system's file hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on F5 BIG-IP appliances for critical network infrastructure. Local users with the specified administrative roles can enumerate and delete arbitrary files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or service disruption. The vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where less privileged users can gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially even system binaries. This represents a serious concern for compliance and security posture, as it allows attackers to potentially access confidential information or disrupt critical network services that the BIG-IP appliance manages. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weaknesses and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables arbitrary file operations through the web interface.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to F5 BIG-IP version 10.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the number of users with administrative privileges. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other management interfaces. The patching process should include thorough testing to ensure that the update does not disrupt existing network services, and organizations should maintain detailed logs of file access operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications can prevent similar directory traversal vulnerabilities from occurring in other systems.