CVE-2019-6686 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2019-6686 article provides insights into a vulnerability affecting F5's BIG-IP versions 13.1.0-13.1.3.1, 14.0.0-14.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2, and 15.0.0-15.0.1.1, potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2019-6686

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2019-6686 vulnerability affecting F5's BIG-IP products.

What is CVE-2019-6686?

The Traffic Management Microkernel (TMM) on BIG-IP versions 13.1.0-13.1.3.1, 14.0.0-14.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2, and 15.0.0-15.0.1.1 may stop responding when the cumulative number of diameter connections and pending messages on a specific virtual server reaches 32,000.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6686

The vulnerability can result in a DoS condition, potentially disrupting the availability of affected systems and services.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6686

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2019-6686 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when the total number of diameter connections and pending messages on a single virtual server hits 32,000, causing the TMM to become unresponsive.

Affected Systems and Versions

BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.0.1.1
BIG-IP versions 14.1.0-14.1.2
BIG-IP versions 14.0.0-14.0.1
BIG-IP versions 13.1.0-13.1.3.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by reaching a specific threshold of diameter connections and pending messages on a virtual server, triggering unresponsiveness in the TMM.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address and prevent the CVE-2019-6686 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor the number of diameter connections and pending messages on virtual servers to prevent reaching the threshold.
Implement network traffic controls to mitigate the risk of a DoS attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the BIG-IP software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest patches and updates provided by F5 to ensure the security and stability of BIG-IP systems.