CVE-2017-0301 in BIG-IP APM
Summary
by MITRE
In F5 BIG-IP APM software versions 11.5.0, 11.5.1, 11.5.2, 11.5.3, 11.5.4, 11.6.0, 11.6.1, 12.0.0, 12.1.0, 12.1.1 and 12.1.2 BIG-IP APM portal access requests do not return the intended resources in some cases. This may allow access to internal BIG-IP APM resources, however the application resources and backend servers are unaffected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0301 affects F5 BIG-IP APM software across multiple version ranges including 11.5.0 through 12.1.2, representing a significant security concern within enterprise network access management systems. This flaw manifests in the portal access request handling mechanism where the system fails to properly return intended resources under specific conditions, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to internal BIG-IP APM resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper resource handling within the application portal access functionality of the BIG-IP APM module. When users make portal access requests, the system's response mechanism becomes inconsistent, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain access to internal resources that should remain restricted. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a classic case of access control bypass through flawed resource management. The vulnerability specifically impacts the portal access layer while maintaining the integrity of underlying application resources and backend servers, indicating a scope limitation in the attack surface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on F5 BIG-IP APM for secure access management. The potential for unauthorized access to internal BIG-IP APM resources could enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive configuration data, or potentially manipulate portal access controls. The impact is particularly concerning given that APM systems typically serve as critical gateways for enterprise network access, making this vulnerability a potential stepping stone for broader network compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to internal resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released for this vulnerability, which would address the underlying resource handling flaws in the portal access mechanism. Network segmentation and access control reviews should be conducted to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, monitoring for unusual portal access patterns and implementing robust audit logging can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource management in access control systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of portal and authentication mechanisms, particularly in critical infrastructure components like F5 BIG-IP systems that serve as network access control points for enterprise environments.