CVE-2025-60013 in F5OS-A
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2025
When a highly-privileged, authenticated attacker attempts to initialize the rSeries FIPS module using a password with special shell metacharacters, arbitrary system commands may be executed, and the FIPS hardware security module (HSM) may fail to initialize. A successful exploit can allow the attacker to cross a security boundary. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the rSeries FIPS module initialization process that fundamentally compromises the security boundary of hardware security modules. The issue arises from insufficient input validation when processing authentication credentials containing shell metacharacters, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as shell commands rather than simple password data. The vulnerability specifically affects the initialization sequence of FIPS-compliant hardware security modules, which are designed to provide cryptographic security services and enforce strict access controls. When a highly-privileged authenticated attacker provides a password string containing special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before passing it to underlying shell execution contexts. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically CWE-78 which addresses OS Command Injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete bypass of security boundaries that are fundamental to hardware security module operations. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the affected service, potentially enabling privilege escalation and unauthorized access to cryptographic keys stored within the HSM. The failure of the FIPS HSM to initialize properly creates a denial-of-service condition while simultaneously providing an attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the initialization phase of security-critical hardware components, where proper input validation should be enforced with the highest rigor. The attack scenario requires an authenticated attacker with high privileges, but the implications are severe as this could allow lateral movement and persistence within secure environments where FIPS modules are deployed to enforce cryptographic standards.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The attack chain typically begins with authentication to the system, followed by crafting of malicious password inputs containing shell metacharacters, and concludes with execution of arbitrary commands that can compromise the entire security infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that FIPS modules are specifically designed to meet stringent security requirements, making any compromise of their initialization process particularly damaging to overall system security posture. Organizations deploying rSeries FIPS modules in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized access to cryptographic operations, key storage, and sensitive data processing capabilities. The issue demonstrates a fundamental flaw in secure coding practices where shell command construction does not properly implement input sanitization or use of parameterized execution methods. The vulnerability affects systems that have not reached End of Technical Support, indicating that active maintenance and security updates are required to address this flaw.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of authentication credentials before they are processed by shell execution contexts. Organizations should implement proper parameterization of all system calls and avoid direct shell command construction from user inputs. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that rejects or escapes special shell characters in authentication data, deploying proper access controls to limit the attack surface, and ensuring that all FIPS modules are running supported software versions. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their cryptographic infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may be subject to similar command injection attacks. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous command execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in security-critical components and the necessity of comprehensive testing for command injection vulnerabilities in authentication and initialization processes.