Exploitable Command Injection in F5 BIG-IP (CVE-2025-20029)
Security researchers have disclosed critical details on CVE-2025-20029, a command injection vulnerability in F5’s BIG-IP Traffic Management Shell (TMSH) command-line interface.
The flaw enables authenticated attackers with low privileges to bypass security restrictions, execute arbitrary system commands, and gain root-level access to vulnerable systems.
| OEM | F5 BIG-IP |
| Severity | HIGH |
| CVSS | 8.8 |
| CVEs | CVE-2025-20029 |
| Exploited in Wild | No |
| Publicly POC Available | Yes |
| Patch/Remediation Available | Yes |
| Advisory Version | 1.0 |
Overview
Attackers can take advantage of incorrect input handling in the Traffic Management Shell (TMSH) and iControl REST API. The entire control plane infrastructure is at risk if the exploitation is effective since it allows attackers to escalate privileges to root.
Organizations using affected versions should apply security updates immediately.
| Vulnerability Name | CVE ID | Product Affected | Severity | Fixed Version |
| Command Injection Vulnerability | CVE-2025-20029 | F5 BIG-IP | High | v17.1.2.1, v16.1.5.2, v15.1.10.6 |
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-20029 arises from inadequate input sanitization within the TMSH save command, where malicious commands can be injected using shell metacharacters like “; or &&”.
Attackers with valid credentials, including low-privileged users, can bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary commands on the system. This vulnerability has a low attack complexity and can be exploited through predictable command sequences.
| CVE ID | System Affected | Vulnerability Details | Impact |
| CVE-2025-20029 | BIG-IP (all modules) 17.1.0 – 17.1.2 16.1.0 – 16.1.5 15.1.0 – 15.1.10 | Insufficient input validation in TMSH enables command injection via shell metacharacters. | Remote code execution, privilege escalation to root, full system compromise. |
Remediation:
- Apply Patch: Upgrade to BIG-IP v17.1.2.1, v16.1.4.2, v15.1.10.6 or later version.
- Restrict Access: Limit access to the iControl REST API and TMSH interface to essential users only.
- Implement Network Segmentation: Restrict access to management interfaces to trusted sources.
- Monitor Logs: Continuously audit logs for unauthorized save commands or suspicious activity.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Reduce risks associated with credential theft and unauthorized access.
Conclusion:
CVE-2025-20029 presents a significant risk to network infrastructure, as successful exploitation grants full administrative control over affected BIG-IP devices. The availability of proof-of-concept exploits further increases the urgency for immediate remediation.
Organizations using F5 BIG-IP for load balancing, firewall, or application delivery services should treat CVE-2025-20029 as a critical priority.
Delayed remediation leaves systems vulnerable to compromise and potential data breaches. Security teams should act swiftly to implement updates and protective measures.
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