CVE-2021-23045 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2021-23045 impacts BIG-IP devices, specifically versions 12.1.x to 16.0.x, where a vulnerability in the handling of SCTP profiles can lead to termination of the Traffic Management Microkernel (TMM).

Understanding CVE-2021-23045

This section will cover the details of the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-23045?

The vulnerability exists in BIG-IP software versions before 16.0.1.2, 15.1.3.1, 14.1.4.3, 13.1.4.1, and all versions of 12.1.x. It occurs when an SCTP profile with multiple paths is configured on a virtual server, allowing undisclosed requests to trigger TMM termination.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23045

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in denial of service (DoS) as the TMM may crash, affecting the availability and performance of the affected system. Attackers can potentially disrupt critical network services and operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23045

Let's delve into the specifics of the vulnerability affecting BIG-IP devices.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of SCTP profiles with multiple paths, leading to crashes in the Traffic Management Microkernel (TMM) process.

Affected Systems and Versions

BIG-IP devices running software versions 16.0.x before 16.0.1.2, 15.1.x before 15.1.3.1, 14.1.x before 14.1.4.3, 13.1.x before 13.1.4.1, and all iterations of 12.1.x are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending undisclosed requests via an SCTP profile with multiple paths, triggering the TMM to terminate and potentially causing a DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems against CVE-2021-23045, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply updates and patches provided by F5 to mitigate the vulnerability.

Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity, which may indicate an attempted exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and maintain security protocols and solutions to protect against emerging threats.

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of software updates and patches released by F5 to address CVE-2021-23045 and enhance the security posture of your BIG-IP devices.