CVE-2020-5913 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-5913 impacting BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.3, 13.1.0-13.1.3.4, 12.1.0-12.1.5.1, and 11.6.1-11.6.5.2. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
A vulnerability in BIG-IP SSL/TLS CRL handling could allow for man-in-the-middle attacks on SSL/TLS connections.
Understanding CVE-2020-5913
In versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.1, 14.1.0-14.1.2.3, 13.1.0-13.1.3.4, 12.1.0-12.1.5.1, and 11.6.1-11.6.5.2 of BIG-IP, a critical security flaw exists that impacts SSL/TLS connections.
What is CVE-2020-5913?
The vulnerability allows the BIG-IP Client or Server SSL profile to ignore revoked certificates, even with a valid Certificate Revocation List (CRL) present. This oversight can lead to potential man-in-the-middle attacks on SSL/TLS connections.
The Impact of CVE-2020-5913
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the security of SSL/TLS connections, potentially enabling attackers to intercept and manipulate sensitive data transmitted over these connections.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-5913
This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The BIG-IP SSL/TLS CRL vulnerability in affected versions allows for the bypassing of revoked certificates, exposing connections to potential interception.
Affected Systems and Versions
- BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.1.0.1
- BIG-IP versions 14.1.0-14.1.2.3
- BIG-IP versions 13.1.0-13.1.3.4
- BIG-IP versions 12.1.0-12.1.5.1
- BIG-IP versions 11.6.1-11.6.5.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit SSL/TLS connections by ignoring revoked certificates, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5913 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor SSL/TLS connections for any suspicious activity.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong encryption protocols and certificate management practices.
Patching and Updates
- F5 provides patches and updates to address the BIG-IP SSL/TLS CRL vulnerability.