CVE-2025-20029
📋 TL;DR
This command injection vulnerability in F5 BIG-IP's iControl REST API and tmsh save command allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on affected devices. It affects BIG-IP systems running vulnerable versions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Only authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- F5 BIG-IP
📦 What is this software?
Big Ip Advanced Web Application Firewall by F5
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Big Ip Advanced Web Application Firewall by F5
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Big Ip Advanced Web Application Firewall by F5
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Big Ip Application Acceleration Manager by F5
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Big Ip Application Acceleration Manager by F5
View all CVEs affecting Big Ip Application Acceleration Manager →
Big Ip Application Acceleration Manager by F5
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Big Ip Application Security Manager by F5
View all CVEs affecting Big Ip Application Security Manager →
Big Ip Application Security Manager by F5
View all CVEs affecting Big Ip Application Security Manager →
Big Ip Application Security Manager by F5
View all CVEs affecting Big Ip Application Security Manager →
Big Ip Application Visibility And Reporting by F5
View all CVEs affecting Big Ip Application Visibility And Reporting →
Big Ip Application Visibility And Reporting by F5
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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with root privileges, data exfiltration, lateral movement to other systems, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized command execution leading to configuration changes, service disruption, or credential theft from the affected BIG-IP system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to restricted user permissions, network segmentation, and proper authentication controls preventing exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of command injection techniques. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to F5 advisory K000148587 for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K000148587
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review F5 advisory K000148587 for affected versions. 2. Upgrade to recommended fixed version. 3. Verify patch application and test functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict iControl REST API Access
allLimit network access to iControl REST API to trusted management networks only
Configure firewall rules to restrict access to iControl REST API ports (typically 443)
Implement Least Privilege
allRestrict user permissions to minimum required for operational needs
Review and modify user roles using 'tmsh modify auth user <username> role <role>'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate BIG-IP management interfaces
- Enforce strong authentication and monitor for suspicious iControl REST API or tmsh activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIG-IP version against affected versions in F5 advisory K000148587Check Version:
tmsh show sys versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds fixed versions listed in advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual tmsh save commands with special characters
- Suspicious iControl REST API requests containing command injection patterns
- Unexpected system command execution in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from BIG-IP management interfaces
- Anomalous traffic patterns to/from iControl REST API
SIEM Query:
source="bigip_logs" AND ("tmsh save" OR "iControl REST") AND (cmd.exe OR /bin/sh OR | OR ; OR $() OR `)