CVE-2023-46747
Published: October 31, 2023
Official Description
F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility contains an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel vulnerability due to undisclosed requests that may allow an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the BIG-IP system through the management port and/or self IP addresses to execute system commands. This vulnerability can be used in conjunction with CVE-2023-46748.
CISA KEV Advisory
F5 BIG-IP Configuration Utility Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility contains an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel vulnerability due to undisclosed requests that may allow an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the BIG-IP system through the management port and/or self IP addresses to execute system commands. This vulnerability can be used in conjunction with CVE-2023-46748.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This authentication bypass vulnerability in F5 BIG-IP Configuration utility allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute system commands. The very high EPSS score indicates a high likelihood of exploitation, and its presence in CISA's KEV catalog confirms active exploitation. This makes it a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The ability for an unauthenticated attacker to execute system commands through the management port or self IP addresses poses a severe risk.
Administrators should apply the latest security updates and patches for F5 BIG-IP to address this authentication bypass vulnerability. Restrict network access to the management port and self IP addresses, and regularly review system configurations for any unauthorized changes.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-46747 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2023-46747 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-46747 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1