CVE-2022-23028 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-23028, a vulnerability affecting BIG-IP AFM versions 13.1.x, 14.1.x, 15.1.x, and 16.x. It discusses the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies associated with this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2022-23028

CVE-2022-23028 is a vulnerability found in BIG-IP AFM versions 13.1.x, 14.1.x, 15.1.x, and 16.x. It specifically impacts the global AFM SYN cookie protection feature, leading to the failure of certain TCP connections.

What is CVE-2022-23028?

The vulnerability in CVE-2022-23028 arises when global AFM SYN cookie protection is activated in the AFM Device DoS profile, resulting in the failure of specific types of TCP connections.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23028

The activation of the global AFM SYN cookie protection feature can disrupt TCP connections on affected BIG-IP AFM versions, potentially leading to service unavailability or degradation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23028

Below are the technical details related to CVE-2022-23028:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-682: Incorrect Calculation due to the misconfiguration of the global AFM SYN cookie protection in the Device DoS profile.

Affected Systems and Versions

BIG-IP AFM versions 13.1.x, 14.1.x, 15.1.x, and 16.x are affected by CVE-2022-23028 when the specific configuration mentioned is in place.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires the activation of global AFM SYN cookie protection in the AFM Device DoS profile, triggering the failure of certain TCP connections.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-23028, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected BIG-IP AFM instances to versions 16.1.0, 15.1.5, or 14.1.4.5 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Review and adjust the configuration of the global AFM SYN cookie protection feature to prevent disruption of TCP connections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor vendor security advisories for patch updates and security alerts related to BIG-IP AFM.
Conduct periodic security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about software updates and patches released by F5 Networks to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of BIG-IP AFM.