CVE-2025-36546: F5OS Appliance Mode vulnerability
First published: Wed May 07 2025(Updated: )
On an F5OS system, if the root user configures the system to allow login using SSH key-based authentication and later enables appliance mode, the system still allows access using SSH key-based authentication. For an attacker to exploit this vulnerability they must obtain possession of a private key corresponding to a previously-configured entry in root's SSH authorized_keys file.
Credit: f5sirt@f5.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| F5 F5OS | >=1.5.1<=1.5.2 | 1.8.01.5.3 |
| F5 F5OS | >=1.6.0<=1.6.2 | 1.8.0 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-36546?
CVE-2025-36546 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to the potential unauthorized SSH access it allows.
How do I fix CVE-2025-36546?
To mitigate CVE-2025-36546, disable SSH key-based authentication for root users when appliance mode is enabled.
What systems are affected by CVE-2025-36546?
CVE-2025-36546 affects F5 F5OS-A versions from 1.5.1 to 1.5.2 and F5 F5OS-C versions from 1.6.0 to 1.6.2.
What is the impact of CVE-2025-36546?
If exploited, CVE-2025-36546 allows attackers with access to the private key to gain unauthorized SSH access to the F5OS system.
Who is responsible for fixing CVE-2025-36546 in affected systems?
It is the responsibility of system administrators to implement the necessary configurations to mitigate CVE-2025-36546.
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