CVE-2020-5926 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-5926 affecting BIG-IP versions 15.1.0-15.1.0.4, 15.0.0-15.0.1.3, and 14.1.0-14.1.2.6. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this DoS vulnerability.
In BIG-IP versions 15.1.0-15.1.0.4, 15.0.0-15.0.1.3, and 14.1.0-14.1.2.6, a vulnerability exists in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) ALG profile, potentially leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.
Understanding CVE-2020-5926
This CVE involves a specific issue in the BIG-IP software that could be exploited to cause a denial of service.
What is CVE-2020-5926?
The vulnerability in BIG-IP versions 15.1.0-15.1.0.4, 15.0.0-15.0.1.3, and 14.1.0-14.1.2.6 allows a malicious actor to trigger a memory-related error by sending crafted SIP messages.
The Impact of CVE-2020-5926
The vulnerability can result in a DoS condition by causing the Traffic Management Microkernel (TMM) to incorrectly free memory to the wrong cache, potentially disrupting services.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-5926
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises when a BIG-IP virtual server with a SIP ALG profile processes SIP messages containing specific multi-part MIME payloads with certain boundary strings.
Affected Systems and Versions
- BIG-IP versions 15.1.0-15.1.0.4
- BIG-IP versions 15.0.0-15.0.1.3
- BIG-IP versions 14.1.0-14.1.2.6
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending specially crafted SIP messages with specific boundary strings, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability to trigger the incorrect memory freeing process.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5926 involves immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches provided by the vendor to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.