CVE-2025-53868
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with SCP/SFTP access to bypass Appliance mode restrictions on affected F5 systems using undisclosed commands. It affects F5 products running in Appliance mode with vulnerable software versions. Attackers must have high-privilege credentials to exploit this.
💻 Affected Systems
- F5 products running in Appliance mode
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, and potentially pivot to other systems in the network.
Likely Case
Unauthorized command execution leading to data exfiltration, configuration changes, or service disruption within the affected appliance.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access with SCP/SFTP privileges. Specific commands are undisclosed but likely involve command injection techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check F5 advisory K000151902 for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K000151902
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review F5 advisory K000151902 for affected versions. 2. Upgrade to patched version specified in advisory. 3. Restart affected services or system as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable SCP/SFTP access
allRemove SCP and SFTP access for non-essential users to prevent exploitation
# Configure via F5 management interface or CLI to restrict SCP/SFTP access
Restrict Appliance mode access
allLimit network access to Appliance mode interfaces to trusted sources only
# Implement firewall rules to restrict access to SCP/SFTP ports (typically 22)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor SCP/SFTP activity for unusual commands
- Segment affected systems and implement network monitoring for command injection patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system is running in Appliance mode with vulnerable F5 software version per advisory K000151902Check Version:
# Check F5 version via CLI or management interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify software version is updated to patched version specified in F5 advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SCP/SFTP commands from authenticated users
- Command execution patterns in system logs
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful SCP/SFTP access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual SCP/SFTP traffic patterns
- Command injection patterns in SCP/SFTP sessions
SIEM Query:
source="f5_logs" AND (protocol="scp" OR protocol="sftp") AND command="*injection_pattern*"