CVE-2021-23029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability has been identified in BIG-IP Advanced WAF and BIG-IP ASM versions 16.0.x before 16.0.1.2. This vulnerability could allow authenticated users with guest privileges to carry out SSRF attacks through F5 Advanced Web Application Firewall (WAF) and the BIG-IP ASM Configuration utility.

Understanding CVE-2021-23029

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2021-23029.

What is CVE-2021-23029?

CVE-2021-23029 is a security vulnerability present in versions 16.0.x before 16.0.1.2 of BIG-IP Advanced WAF and BIG-IP ASM. It arises due to insufficient permission checks, enabling authenticated users with guest privileges to execute SSRF attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23029

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to perform SSRF attacks, which may result in unauthorized access to internal resources, data leakage, or service disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23029

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-23029.

Vulnerability Description

The SSRF vulnerability in BIG-IP Advanced WAF and BIG-IP ASM allows authenticated users with guest privileges to manipulate URLs and interact with internal systems, potentially bypassing security controls.

Affected Systems and Versions

BIG-IP Advanced WAF and BIG-IP ASM versions 16.0.x before 16.0.1.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users with guest privileges can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the F5 Advanced Web Application Firewall and the BIG-IP ASM Configuration utility.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-23029.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to version 16.0.1.2 or later to mitigate the SSRF vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access to critical systems can help prevent unauthorized SSRF attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing least privilege access, regular security assessments, and monitoring for suspicious activities can enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by F5 for BIG-IP Advanced WAF and BIG-IP ASM. Regularly applying patches is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and protect the systems from exploitation.