CVE-2018-5546

Name: CVE-2018-5546
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-08-17T12:29:00.41+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.45%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-5546 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The svpn and policyserver components of the F5 BIG-IP APM client prior to version 7.1.7.1 for Linux and macOS runs as a privileged process and can allow an unprivileged user to get ownership of files owned by root on the local client host. A malicious local unprivileged user may gain knowledge of sensitive information, manipulate certain data, or assume super-user privileges on the local client host.. EPSS estimates a 0.45% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The svpn and policyserver components of the F5 BIG-IP APM client prior to version 7.1.7.1 for Linux and macOS runs as a privileged process and can allow an unprivileged user to get ownership of files owned by root on the local client host. A malicious local unprivileged user may gain knowledge of sensitive information, manipulate certain data, or assume super-user privileges on the local client host.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.45%

36.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-732

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
F5	Big-Ip Access Policy Manager Client	>= 7.1.5, <= 7.1.7
F5	Big-Ip Access Policy Manager	>= 12.1.0, <= 12.1.3

References

http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1041510Broken Link
https://github.com/mirchr/security-research/blob/master/vulnerabilities/F5/CVE-2018-5529.txtExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K54431371Vendor Advisory
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1041510Broken Link
https://github.com/mirchr/security-research/blob/master/vulnerabilities/F5/CVE-2018-5529.txtExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K54431371Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 17, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-5546?

How severe is CVE-2018-5546?

CVE-2018-5546 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.45% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-5546?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-5546?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST