A newly discovered vulnerability (CVE-2025-20029) has been identified in the iControl REST and BIG-IP Traffic Management Operating System (TMOS) shell (tmsh) save command. This vulnerability may allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary system commands, potentially compromising the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
This long-read post discusses the details of the CVE-2025-20029 vulnerability, its impact, and the potential mitigation strategies that system administrators can implement to secure their systems. We will also provide code snippets, links to original references, and exploit information for a better understanding of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The command injection vulnerability exists in the iControl REST interface and the tmsh 'save' command. The 'save' command is used to save the system's current configuration settings. An authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary system commands along with the 'save' command, which will then be executed by the system.
To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs to have valid credentials for the iControl REST interface or the tmsh. The following code snippet demonstrates an example of how the 'save' command can be exploited:
# Vulnerable command
tmsh save sys config /tmp/configurations.cfg; arbitrary_command
In this example, the arbitrary_command will be executed by the system after saving the configuration settings to /tmp/configurations.cfg.
References
For more information on the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems, you can refer to the following original references:
1. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - CVE-2025-20029
2. F5 Security Advisory - CVE-2025-20029
Exploit Details
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for this vulnerability is not publicly available yet. However, potential attack scenarios can include an attacker gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system information by listing the contents of configuration files, modifying critical system settings, or executing other malicious commands to compromise the system.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate this vulnerability, administrators of affected systems should implement the following recommendations:
1. Upgrade to a fixed software version: F5 Networks, the company behind the iControl REST and BIG-IP TMOS shell (tmsh), has released patches to address the CVE-2025-20029 vulnerability. Administrators should upgrade their systems to the latest supported software version to prevent exploitation.
2. Limit access to iControl REST and tmsh: Administrators should restrict access to the iControl REST interface and the tmsh to only trusted users and IP addresses. This can be achieved by implementing access control lists (ACLs) or other network access restrictions.
3. Monitor user activity: Monitoring user activity on the iControl REST interface and the tmsh can help detect unauthorized access attempts or malicious activity. Regularly reviewing system logs and implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) can assist in detecting potential exploitation attempts.
4. Regularly assess your security posture: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-20029 in your environment. This proactive approach will help you stay informed and prepared to address potential security threats.
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-20029 vulnerability in iControl REST and BIG-IP TMOS shell (tmsh) save command poses a significant risk to infected systems. By taking the appropriate measures, such as upgrading to a fixed software version, limiting access to critical interfaces, and regularly assessing your security posture, you can mitigate the risk of exploitation and protect your systems from unauthorized access and potential compromise.
Timeline
Published on: 02/05/2025 18:15:29 UTC