The vulnerability caught the attention of security researcher Mikhail Klyuchnikov of Positive Technologies. Sharing the details in a post, the researcher revealed the exploiting the bug could allow remote code execution.
Briefly, the vulnerability CVE-2020-5902 existed in the BIG-IP application delivery controller (ADC) configuration interface. It attained a critical severity rating with a CVSS score of 10.0 – the highest severity score.
Exploiting the bug simply required an attacker to send a maliciously crafted HTTP request to the server hosting the Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI) utility for BIG-IP configuration.
An unauthorized attacker could then achieve remote access to the target utility for the addition or deletion of files, intercepting information, disabling services, running commands, or infecting other devices on the network.
Considering the severity of the bugs, the US Cyber Command alerted everyone to update their systems to the patched version.
https://twitter.com/CNMF_CyberAlert/status/1279151966178902016
- CNMF_CyberAlert
However, despite the patches, the attackers didn’t step back from exploiting the flaw. Three days after the bug surfaced online, they started exploitation attempts. According to what a researcher Rich Warren told ZDNet, he detected malicious attacks from five different IP addresses.
Thus, users should ensure patching their devices immediately to avoid falling prey to any cyber-attacks.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.