CVE-2015-8611 in BIG-IP
Summary
by MITRE
BIG-IP LTM, AAM, AFM, Analytics, APM, ASM, DNS, Link Controller, and PEM 12.0.0 before HF1 on the 2000, 4000, 5000, 7000, and 10000 platforms do not properly sync passwords with the Always-On Management (AOM) subsystem, which might allow remote attackers to obtain login access to AOM via an (1) expired or (2) default password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-8611 affects F5 BIG-IP appliances across multiple modules including Local Traffic Manager AAM AFM Analytics APM ASM DNS Link Controller and PEM with versions 12.0.0 before HF1 on specific platform models. This represents a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise network infrastructure devices. The issue stems from improper synchronization between the device's password management system and the Always-On Management AOM subsystem, creating a persistent security weakness that remote attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized administrative access.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the password synchronization mechanism within the AOM subsystem of F5 BIG-IP appliances. When passwords are updated or configured on the primary device, the system fails to properly propagate these credentials to the Always-On Management component. This synchronization gap creates two primary attack vectors: expired passwords that have not been properly updated in the AOM system and default passwords that remain active and accessible. The vulnerability exists at the core authentication layer of the device management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and provides direct access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can gain full administrative access to the AOM subsystem, which provides continuous management capabilities for the BIG-IP appliance. This access allows attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, and potentially escalate privileges to gain control over the entire appliance. The vulnerability affects multiple F5 appliance models including 2000 4000 5000 7000 and 10000 platforms, indicating a widespread issue that could impact numerous enterprise network security infrastructures. The attack surface is particularly concerning because AOM provides persistent management access that remains active even when the primary management interface is unavailable.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper handling of authentication credentials and represents a clear violation of secure authentication practices. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through various means. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no physical access to the device and can be executed remotely, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors targeting enterprise network security systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate installation of F5's HF1 hotfix or subsequent security updates that address the password synchronization issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, enable multi-factor authentication where possible, and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits should verify that password synchronization is functioning correctly across all management subsystems. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and privileged access management solutions to reduce the impact of potential credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential management and synchronization in enterprise security infrastructure, emphasizing that even minor configuration flaws can result in significant security breaches.