CVE-2023-5450 in BIG-IP APM Edge Client
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
An insufficient verification of data vulnerability exists in BIG-IP Edge Client Installer on macOS that may allow an attacker elevation of privileges during the installation process. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5450 represents a critical security flaw in the BIG-IP Edge Client Installer for macOS systems, specifically targeting the installation process where insufficient verification of data allows for potential privilege escalation. This issue resides within the installer component that manages the deployment of the F5 BIG-IP Edge Client software, which is commonly used for secure remote access and network connectivity in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and data verification mechanisms during the installation phase, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the installation process and gain elevated system privileges.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to insufficient verification of data that could lead to privilege escalation. During the installation process, the BIG-IP Edge Client Installer fails to properly validate the integrity and authenticity of installation packages, configuration files, or other data components that are processed during deployment. This weakness allows an attacker who can influence the installation environment to inject malicious code or manipulate installation parameters that would otherwise be restricted to privileged users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, when the system is typically operating with elevated privileges to perform necessary system modifications.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5450 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to macOS systems within enterprise networks that rely on BIG-IP Edge Client for secure connectivity. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malicious payloads that would remain undetected while maintaining elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly significant in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to systems that could be targeted during installation, and where the BIG-IP Edge Client is frequently deployed across various network segments. This vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, as attackers who successfully exploit this flaw could use the elevated privileges to access additional systems or data resources that would normally be protected.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected BIG-IP Edge Client versions, enhanced monitoring of installation processes, and implementation of strict access controls for system installation activities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized installation packages and conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1547, which covers "Boot or Logon Autostart Execution' as attackers may leverage the privilege escalation to establish persistence mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should review their software deployment practices to ensure that installation processes are properly secured and that only trusted sources can initiate installation activities, as this vulnerability specifically targets the installation phase where system security controls may be less stringent than during normal operation.