CVE-2025-60013 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command) affecting F5 F5OS Appliances, specifically versions 1.5.0 and 1.8.0. The flaw occurs during the initialization of the rSeries FIPS hardware security module (HSM) when a password containing special shell metacharacters is used. These metacharacters are not properly sanitized before being passed to an OS command, leading to failure in initializing the FIPS module. This failure can disrupt cryptographic operations that rely on the FIPS HSM, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cryptographic keys and processes. The vulnerability requires local access with high privileges (PR:H) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have privileged access to the appliance to exploit this issue. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, possibly impacting the entire appliance's cryptographic functionality. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.7, reflecting a medium severity level due to the combination of local access requirements and the potential impact on cryptographic operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and software versions that have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are excluded from evaluation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and sanitization when handling passwords or other inputs that interact with OS commands, especially in security-critical modules like FIPS HSMs.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could disrupt critical cryptographic functions provided by F5 F5OS appliances, which are widely used in enterprise and service provider networks for application delivery and security. Failure to initialize the FIPS HSM could lead to denial of cryptographic services, affecting VPNs, SSL/TLS offloading, and other security functions dependent on hardware-based key protection. This disruption can degrade network security posture, potentially exposing sensitive data or interrupting secure communications. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure that rely on FIPS-validated cryptographic modules are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local privileged access limits remote exploitation risk but increases the importance of internal security controls and monitoring to prevent insider threats or lateral movement by attackers. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk, but the impact on availability and integrity of cryptographic operations can have significant operational consequences.

To mitigate CVE-2025-60013, European organizations should: 1) Avoid using passwords containing special shell metacharacters when initializing the rSeries FIPS module to prevent triggering the vulnerability. 2) Monitor and restrict local privileged access to F5 F5OS appliances to trusted administrators only, employing strict access controls and auditing. 3) Implement network segmentation and isolation for management interfaces to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 4) Stay informed about F5 security advisories and apply patches or updated software versions as soon as they become available, especially for supported versions beyond 1.8.0 and 1.5.0. 5) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on privileged access controls and input validation mechanisms. 6) Consider deploying compensating controls such as multi-factor authentication for appliance management and enhanced logging to detect suspicious activities related to FIPS module initialization. 7) Engage with F5 support for guidance on secure configuration and potential workarounds until patches are released.