CVE-2017-0302 in BIG-IP APM
Summary
by MITRE
In F5 BIG-IP APM 12.0.0 through 12.1.2 and 13.0.0, an authenticated user with an established access session to the BIG-IP APM system may be able to cause a traffic disruption if the length of the requested URL is less than 16 characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0302 affects F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager (APM) versions 12.0.0 through 12.1.2 and 13.0.0, representing a significant security flaw that could lead to traffic disruption within network infrastructure. This issue specifically targets authenticated users who maintain active access sessions to the BIG-IP APM system, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on F5 appliances for their access management and application delivery services. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-129, which classifies it as an improper validation of the length of input data, specifically affecting input validation mechanisms within the application layer.
The technical flaw manifests when an authenticated user submits a request with a URL shorter than 16 characters, which triggers an unexpected behavior in the BIG-IP APM system's processing logic. This condition causes the system to experience a disruption in traffic handling capabilities, potentially leading to service degradation or complete loss of access to applications protected by the affected appliance. The vulnerability exploits a boundary condition in the URL processing routine where the system fails to properly handle input validation for URLs below the specified character threshold, creating a potential denial of service scenario that could impact legitimate users accessing applications through the APM system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0302 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a vector for potential attacker exploitation within the context of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and denial of service tactics. An attacker with legitimate access to the system could leverage this vulnerability to systematically disrupt service availability, potentially targeting critical business applications or creating a pathway for more sophisticated attacks. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that it could be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with robust access controls. This vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0302 should prioritize immediate deployment of F5's official security patches and updates, which address the input validation flaw in the URL processing mechanism. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if exploited, the attacker's access remains restricted. Regular security assessments and monitoring of access session activities can help detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation controls at multiple network layers, including web application firewalls and network access control systems, can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing rate limiting and traffic monitoring for URL processing components to detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause significant disruption to business operations.