CVE-2019-6668 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the BIG-IP APM Edge Client for macOS bundled with various versions of BIG-IP APM could allow unprivileged users to access root-owned files.

Understanding CVE-2019-6668

This CVE involves a privilege escalation issue in the BIG-IP APM Edge Client for macOS.

What is CVE-2019-6668?

The vulnerability allows unprivileged users to potentially access files owned by root when using the BIG-IP APM Edge Client for macOS across specific versions of BIG-IP APM.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6668

The vulnerability poses a security risk as it could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6668

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a flaw in the BIG-IP APM Edge Client for macOS, which could be exploited by unprivileged users to gain access to root-owned files.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of BIG-IP APM Edge Client are impacted:

15.0.0 to 15.0.1
14.1.0 to 14.1.0.5
14.0.0 to 14.0.0.4
13.1.0 to 13.1.1.5
12.1.0 to 12.1.5
11.5.1 to 11.6.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Unprivileged users can exploit this vulnerability within the BIG-IP APM Edge Client for macOS to access files owned by root, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the BIG-IP APM Edge Client to a patched version that addresses the privilege escalation issue.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to unauthorized file access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights and minimize the impact of potential security breaches.
Regularly review and update access control policies to ensure only authorized users have necessary permissions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by F5 for the BIG-IP APM Edge Client to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation vulnerabilities.